Pirates' Oneil Cruz Shines in Extra-Innings Win Over Cubs

Shortstop's four-hit game helps Pittsburgh take down Chicago in 11 innings

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:42am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game in motion, with the players and field fragmented into sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in the Pirates' black and gold and the Cubs' blue and red team colors.Oneil Cruz's four-hit performance powers the Pirates to an extra-inning victory over their NL Central rivals, the Cubs.Chicago Today

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Chicago Cubs 4-3 in 11 innings on Saturday, with shortstop Oneil Cruz leading the way with a four-hit performance. The win keeps the Pirates atop the NL Central division standings.

Why it matters

Oneil Cruz's breakout game is a positive sign for the Pirates, who are looking to make a playoff push this season. The extra-innings victory also gives Pittsburgh an important divisional win over a key rival in the Cubs.

The details

Oneil Cruz went 4-for-6 at the plate, driving in two runs to help the Pirates overcome an early 3-1 deficit. The game was tied 3-3 after nine innings, sending it to extras, where the Pirates were able to push across the winning run in the 11th inning.

  • The game was played on Saturday, April 12, 2026.
  • The Pirates' win keeps them in first place in the NL Central standings.

The players

Oneil Cruz

The 24-year-old shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who is emerging as one of the team's top young stars.

Pittsburgh Pirates

The professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that competes in the National League Central division.

Chicago Cubs

The professional baseball team based in Chicago, Illinois that competes in the National League Central division and is a longtime rival of the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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What they’re saying

“Oneil really carried us today. His bat was huge and he made some great plays in the field too. We needed this win against a division opponent.”

— Derek Shelton, Manager, Pittsburgh Pirates

What’s next

The Pirates and Cubs will play the rubber match of their three-game series on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The takeaway

Oneil Cruz's standout performance is a promising sign for the Pirates, who are looking to build on their early-season success and challenge for the NL Central title. The extra-innings victory also gives them an important divisional win over a key rival.