The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 Wednesday afternoon, snapping a four-game losing streak. Paul Skenes did not allow an earned run over his seven inning start. He did not walk a batter and struck out six to pick up his first victory of the season. Dennis Santana earned his first save with a scoreless ninth inning.
Oneil Cruz hit his second home run of the season, a solo shot in the fifth inning. Cruz and lead-off batter Adam Frazier led the Bucs with two hits each.
Reliever Colin Holderman continues to struggle. He allowed a run in the eighth inning in relief of Skenes, and allowed the game-tying run on base before Ryan Borucki came in to get the final out of the inning.
The Bucs are off today and have returned to Pittsburgh. They will have their home opener tomorrow afternoon when they host the New York Yankees. Game time is 4:12pm. Butler native Marc Fogel will throw out the ceremonial first pitch. Mitch Keller will be the Pirates starting pitcher.