PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Outscored 13-1 in the first two games of the series, the Pirates needed a win in their final day in Florida since mid-February. Ace Paul Skenes and Oneil Cruz led the way in a 4-2 win over Tampa Bay.
Skenes only allowed an unearned run in the sixth inning as part of seven innings, three hits allowed, no walks and six strikeouts. The 22-year-old threw 102 pitches, 72 for strikes after giving up a pair of runs with two walks and seven strikeouts in the season opener getting a no-decision.
The game-winning run coming on an Cruz solo homer in the fifth, his second of the season. He also provided an insurance run with a sacrifice fly in the ninth inning. Earlier Cruz singled and stole his sixth base of the season, meaning 26 consecutive successful attempts by the centerfielder, only four other Pirates have accomplished that feat (Tony Womack, Nate McLouth and Frank Taveras).
Bucs scored their first run in the second inning on a two-out single by Adam Frazier scoring Jared Triolo. Catcher Endy Rodriguez drove in his first run of the season, a two-out single scoring Jack Suwinski in the eighth.
Lefty reliever Ryan Borucki was able to get the final out of the bottom of the eighth after Colin Holderman gave up a run. Dennis Santana came in to finish the game for his first save.
Home Opener
Mitch Keller (1-0, 1.50 ERA) will start Friday against the Yankees (yet to be determined starter) with first pitch at 4:12p. 93.7 The Fan will begin pregame coverage on the Fan Morning Show taking you to the North Shore Taverns Leadoff Show hosted by Dan Zangrilli.