Bubba Chandler shines as Pirates snap Rays' six-game streak

Chandler allows one run over six innings as Pittsburgh defeats Tampa Bay 5-1

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:25am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays, with the players, field, and stadium broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant color.A cubist interpretation of the Pirates' victory over the Rays, capturing the dynamic energy and motion of the game through fragmented geometric forms.Today in Pittsburgh

Bubba Chandler pitched six strong innings, allowing just one run, as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 5-1 on Friday night, snapping the Rays' six-game winning streak. The Pirates totaled 11 hits, led by Marcell Ozuna, Spencer Horwitz, and Brandon Lowe, who each had three hits. Oneil Cruz hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to break a 1-1 tie and give the Pirates the lead for good.

Why it matters

This was an important win for the Pirates, who have struggled early in the season. Defeating the hot-hitting Rays, who had won six straight, could provide a much-needed boost of confidence for the Pirates as they look to climb back into contention in the NL Central. The performance of young pitcher Bubba Chandler was also a positive sign for the Pirates' future.

The details

Chandler (1-1) struck out three, allowed three hits and walked one while throwing 90 pitches in his first career start against the Rays. After Chandler limited Tampa Bay to one hit over his first 5 2/3 innings, Junior Caminero drove in the Rays' lone run in the top of the sixth with a game-tying, two-out single. But Oneil Cruz broke the tie with a two-run home run off Rays reliever Griffin Jax in the bottom of the sixth.

  • The game was played on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Chandler retired 10 Rays batters in a row until the sixth inning.

The players

Bubba Chandler

The Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher who allowed one run over six innings to earn the win.

Marcell Ozuna

The Pirates outfielder who had three hits, continuing to break out of an early-season slump.

Oneil Cruz

The Pirates infielder who hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to give the Pirates the lead for good.

Nick Martinez

The Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher who allowed two runs over 5 1/3 innings in the loss.

Junior Caminero

The Rays outfielder who drove in their lone run with a sixth-inning single.

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What they’re saying

“Bubba really set the tone for us tonight with his strong outing. He's been working hard and it's great to see that pay off with a big win against a tough opponent.”

— Derek Shelton, Pirates Manager

What’s next

The Pirates and Rays will continue their series on Saturday night, with the Rays looking to bounce back and even the series.

The takeaway

This was an important bounce-back win for the Pirates, who showed they can compete with one of the top teams in the American League. Chandler's strong start and Cruz's timely home run were key factors in snapping the Rays' winning streak and giving the Pirates a much-needed confidence boost.