Pittsburgh Pirates: Oneil Cruz Era Begins, Takeaways From Series Win

PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 23: Ke'Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Bligh Madris #66 after hitting a two run home run in the third inning during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on June 23, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JUNE 23: Ke'Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with Bligh Madris #66 after hitting a two run home run in the third inning during the game against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park on June 23, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 23: Michael Chavis #2 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a walk-off RBI single to give the Pirates a 8-7 win over the Chicago Cubs in ten innings during the game at PNC Park on June 23, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JUNE 23: Michael Chavis #2 of the Pittsburgh Pirates hits a walk-off RBI single to give the Pirates a 8-7 win over the Chicago Cubs in ten innings during the game at PNC Park on June 23, 2022 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Michael Chavis comes through in the late innings of game four, secures series victory

Things looked bleak entering the bottom of the 8th inning in game four on Thursday afternoon. After the Cubs scored 5 runs in the top half of the inning to take a 7-6 lead, the Bucs appeared to be on their way to having to settle for a series split.

Michael Chavis then started to make an impact. He hit a solo home run in the bottom of the 8th inning. His 7th blast of the season, which came off of veteran reliever David Robertson who has been having a terrific season, tied the game at 7.

Chavis then struck again in the top of the 10th inning, but this time with the glove. He made a great pick and throw to the plate on a ball hit by Jason Heyward. This play by Chavis mowed down the would be go-ahead run at the plate. Chavis then walked it off in the bottom of the 10th inning when he blooped a single to shallow right field, scoring Ke’Bryan Hayes and giving the Pirates a 8-7 victory.

While Chavis has been overexposed a bit by accumulating too many at-bats against right-handed pitchers. That said, he has still had an overall strong season as he has been given his first extended look in the major league level.