PITTSBURGH – Newly promoted Oneil Cruz Four runs were completed. Bligh Madris Three hits were his first major league debut. This prompted the Pittsburgh Pirates To a 12-1/1 victory over the Chicago Cubs Monday night
Both rookies were called from Triple-A Indianapolis earlier today and delivered immediately.
Cruz, Pittsburgh's top prospect was a three-run home run double to deep center. This capped a fourth-inning that saw the Pirates lead by seven runs. He was playing his third big league game in his career.
Cruz, who is 6'7″, also scored an RBI single in a seven-run seventh to help the Pirates reach a new season record for runs. He was the tallest major league shortstop and he played in the final two games last season.
Cruz's double had an exit velocity 112.9 mph. His throw to first base from a groundout was 96.7 mph. He also ran at 31.5 feet per second while running the bases. All of these are the highest records a Pirates' player has ever achieved since 2015, when the MLB Statcast era began.
Derek Shelton, Pittsburgh manager, said that “He can influence the game in many ways”
Madris scored two runs in the second inning of his first majors at-bat. The outfielder led a three-run inning which included one of Hoy Park’s sacrifice flies.
Madris was the first Pirates player since Jason Kendall 1996 to score three hits in his debut.
Madris smiled and said, “That was a lot fun and everything that I could wish for.” “With (batting practices) being canceled today, it was my first at bat in the big leagues when I stepped into the box. Today's game had a lot of surprises for me. I am grateful for this opportunity. It was amazing.”
JT Brubaker (1-7) pitched six scoreless innings to his first win since Aug. 24, which was the span of 14 starts.
Brubaker walked three and struck out five, with five hits. In six of his previous starts, Brubaker has a 2.65 ERA.
Brubaker stated, “I go out to compete and put the team (position) to win it.” “It doesn't really matter to me if I get one under my W column. “I just want team Ws.”
Five walks were taken by rookies by the Pirates. Caleb Kilian (0-2), who scored seven runs in 2/3 innings. Kilian made his third career start.
David Ross, Chicago manager, stated that he didn't repeatedly throw balls in the same zone. “Just a lot noncompetitive pitches, he got behind in count. He was able to finish the 2 2/3 innings.
Daniel Vogelbach In the Pirates' big seventh, they hit a 2-run double and Tyler Heineman scored an RBI double to make it 12-1.
Ian Happ's solo single gave the Cubs their seventh run. Happ, Rafael Ortega Nico Hoerner Two hits were each recorded.
Both teams arrived Monday having lost 11 of the 13 games they played in their previous 13 games.
HERE COME KIDS
Cruz hit.232 in 55 games at Indianapolis. He had nine home runs and 11 stole bases. Madris became this year's 12th Pirates major league debutant.
Cruz, along with Paul Molitor, is the third shortstop to record seven RBI in his three first career games. Trevor Story.
Madris became the Pirates' first player to record a hit and an RBI in his first big-league game. Andrew McCutchen In 2009.
Cubs recall outfielder Nelson Velazquez Adrian Sampson was optioned to Triple-A Iowa by the same club.
Velazquez is among the Cubs' 15 rookies. He was the Arizona Fall League MVP last season. He debuted May 30.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Cubs: Marcus Stroman (right shoulder inflammation) will throw a bullpen in the coming days. It is his first attempt since June 7.
Pirates: RHP Zach Thompson (right side forearm nerve inflammation), was placed on the 15 day IL. He said he doesn't believe the injury is serious. The Pirates are yet to decide who will replace Thompson in the rotation. … 1B Yoshi Tsutsugo (lumbar muscle strain), SS Kevin Newman (left groin/left hipstring strains) and INF/OF Josh VanMeter (fractured right-ring finger) will begin rehabilitation with Indianapolis on Tuesday.
NEXT
Cubs: Rookie RHP Matt Swarmer Tuesday night will be his fifth career start.
Pirates: Rookie RHP Roansy Contreras (1-1, 3.06), he has allowed four runs each of his previous two starts.
