Morning Rundown: Oneil Cruz hits monster home run in Pirates win

Oneil Cruz and Joey Bart go deep as Pirates get back on winning side of things.

Photo Credit: Ryan Palencer

After losing three straight games, the Pittsburgh Pirates got back on the winning side of things, defeating the Toronto Blue Jays 7-6 on Wednesday. They are now 7-5 this spring in Grapefruit League play.

Mitch Keller pitched into the fourth inning for the first time this spring, allowing one earned run on a hit and three walks while striking out three. He was one out away from completing the inning before being pulled in favor of JC Flowers.

Ryan Borucki pitched an inning in relief, allowing a hit but also striking out a batter.

Carson Fulmer, Joey Wentz, Yohan Ramirez, and Ryder Ryan pitched in relief.

The Pirates travel to Sarasota on Thursday, where Paul Skenes will make his second start of the spring. There will be no stream, and the first pitch is expected around 6:05 pm ET.

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Todd Tomczyk met with the media yesterday and talked about a few players:

Johan Oviedo is in a ‘no-throw status’ and will be getting a second opinion from the same doctor who performed his Tommy John surgery. He hasn’t been throwing due to a right lat issue that has been bugging him.

Dauri Moreta is still throwing bullpens and is progressing. He’s been throwing on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Hunter Stratton threw a simulated game at Pirates’ City on Wednesday. Sounds like he’s making great progress.

Spencer Horwitz is now one month post-surgery. He should start hitting off a tee by this weekend or early next week.

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Top Exit Velocity

1. Jack Suwinski - 108.1 mph - Groundout

2. Oneil Cruz - 106.9 mph - Home Run

3. Bryce Johnson - 102.9 mph - Single

4. Jared Triolo - 102.7 mph - Groundout

5. Joey Bart - 101.7 mph - Home Run

Top Pitch Velocity

1. Yohan Ramirez - 97.4 mph

2. Yohan Ramirez - 97.1 mph

3. Yohan Ramirez - 96.7 mph

4. Yohan Ramirez - 96.6 mph

5. Yohan Ramirez - 96.3 mph

Most Whiffs

1. Mitch Keller - 8

2. Ryan Borucki - 3

3. Joey Wentz - 3

4. Yohan Ramirez - 2

5. JC Flowers - 1

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