Cruz's Ninth-Inning Homer Ends Miller's Streak, Pirates Win 1-0
Source: ABC News Sports. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
San Diego — The Pittsburgh Pirates edged the San Diego Padres 1-0 on Tuesday night, a game decided by a single swing in the ninth inning. Oneil Cruz, with two outs, drove a low 98-mph fastball from Padres closer Mason Miller over the short right-field wall at Petco Park for his 17th home run. It was the first homer Miller had allowed in 73 appearances, a streak that spanned more than a year. The last batter to go deep off Miller was Arizona's Lourdes Gurriel Jr. on August 5, 2025, in only Miller's second outing with San Diego. Miller, who grew up near Pittsburgh, had been virtually untouchable since then. The game was a taut pitchers' duel from the outset. Pirates ace Paul Skenes, the reigning NL Cy Young Award winner, bounced back from a difficult stretch with six innings of three-hit ball, striking out seven and walking none. His fastball touched 98 mph, easing concerns about a velocity dip earlier in the month. Skenes had gone 0-3 with a 6.46 ERA over his previous five starts, prompting the Pirates to give him extra rest. The start in his native Southern California was a return to form. On the other side, Padres starter Michael King was equally impressive. He scattered five hits over seven scoreless innings, striking out seven. King escaped a bases-loaded jam in the first inning, then settled into a rhythm and matched his longest start of the season. But the Padres' lineup could not generate any offense against the Pirates' bullpen after Skenes exited. Gregory Soto pitched a scoreless eighth, and Mason Montgomery struck out the side in the ninth to earn his sixth save. The loss was the second straight for San Diego, which had been on a 21-7 tear since late July. The Padres had not lost consecutive games since July 23. The Pirates improved their record in close games, a critical factor as they push for a playoff spot. The series continues Wednesday with Bubba Chandler (6-8, 4.38 ERA) taking the mound for Pittsburgh against Randy Vásquez (9-6, 4.19) for San Diego. Cruz's heroics overshadowed a strong performance by King, who deserved a better fate. Miller's streak was one of the most impressive in baseball this season, and his first blemish in over a year came at a costly moment. The Padres will look to rebound in the series finale. For the Pirates, the win provides a morale boost and keeps them in the wild-card hunt. Cruz's moment will be remembered as a turning point in the season, especially if it propels Pittsburgh into October. The narrative of Miller's streak ending in such dramatic fashion adds a layer of intrigue to the Padres' season.
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Oneil Cruz's ninth-inning blast off Mason Miller was more than just a game-winner; it was a statement that even the most dominant relievers are vulnerable. Miller had been nearly untouchable since August 2025, but Cruz's ability to drive a low fastball to the opposite field showed the Pirates' young star's growing maturity. The home run also highlighted the razor-thin margins in high-stakes September baseball. For the Padres, the loss snapped a hot streak and underscored their offensive struggles against elite pitching. Paul Skenes' resurgence is a promising sign for Pittsburgh. After a rough stretch, the reigning Cy Young winner rediscovered his command and velocity, which could be pivotal as the Pirates chase a wild-card berth. His performance against a strong Padres lineup suggests he is back on track. Michael King's seven scoreless innings were a reminder of his value as a starter, but the Padres' bullpen, usually a strength, could not hold the tie. Miller's first homer allowed in over a year is a statistical anomaly, but it also raises questions about pitch selection and location in high-leverage situations. The 98-mph fastball was low, but Cruz's bat speed and swing path turned it into a souvenir. From a broader perspective, this game epitomized the unpredictability of baseball. Two aces dueling, a scoreless tie, and a sudden blast that changes everything. The Pirates' bullpen depth, particularly Soto and Montgomery, proved effective. The Padres, meanwhile, need to regroup quickly as they face a crucial series with playoff implications. The loss of consecutive games for the first time in over a month is a minor blip, but it could be a wake-up call. Looking ahead, the matchup between Chandler and Vásquez could be another tight contest. The Padres' offense must find a way to produce against Pittsburgh's pitching staff. For the Pirates, the win provides a morale boost and keeps them in the wild-card hunt. Cruz's moment will be remembered as a turning point in the season, especially if it propels Pittsburgh into October. The narrative of Miller's streak ending in such dramatic fashion adds a layer of intrigue to the Padres' season. It remains to be seen how the closer responds, but his track record suggests he will bounce back quickly. Overall, the game was a showcase of top-tier pitching and a reminder that in baseball, one swing can change everything.