Chandler, Cruz lead Pirates to win over Rays

Bubba Chandler pitches six strong innings as Pittsburgh takes series opener

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:50am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the dynamic action of a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Tampa Bay Rays in an abstract, deconstructed manner.A cubist interpretation of the Pirates' victory over the Rays, with the players' actions and the field of play fractured into dynamic geometric shapes.Today in Pittsburgh

Bubba Chandler delivered his best outing of the season, allowing just one run over six innings, and Oneil Cruz hit a two-run homer to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 5-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays in the series opener at PNC Park.

Why it matters

The Pirates have struggled to find consistency from their starting rotation early in the season, so Chandler's strong performance against one of the league's top offenses is an encouraging sign. The win also keeps Pittsburgh within striking distance in the NL Central division race.

The details

Chandler struck out three and walked just one batter, a significant improvement after he had walked 12 batters over his previous three starts. He worked efficiently, needing just 83 pitches to get through six innings. The lone blemish came in the sixth when he allowed an infield single and a run-scoring base hit. Offensively, Marcell Ozuna singled and scored in the second inning, and Cruz's two-run shot in the sixth gave the Pirates some insurance. Brandon Lowe, facing his former team, went 3-for-5 with a two-run double in the eighth.

  • Chandler struck out a pair of Rays in an eight-pitch, 1-2-3 first inning.
  • Chandler needed just 11 pitches to get through the second inning.
  • Chandler's lone run allowed came in the sixth inning.

The players

Bubba Chandler

A 23-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates who delivered his best outing of the season, allowing just one run over six innings.

Oneil Cruz

The Pirates' young slugger who hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to give Pittsburgh some insurance.

Brandon Lowe

The Rays' infielder who went 3-for-5 against his former team, including a two-run double in the eighth inning.

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What’s next

The Pirates and Rays will continue their three-game series on Saturday, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.

The takeaway

Chandler's strong outing against a potent Rays lineup is an encouraging sign for the Pirates, who have been searching for more consistency from their starting rotation. If Chandler can build on this performance, it could provide a boost to Pittsburgh's playoff hopes in the competitive NL Central.