Oneil Cruz's shoddy defense fuels David Bednar walk-off disaster for Pirates

The "Oneil Cruz is going to be a Gold Glove center fielder in 2025" crowd may want to slow their roll after his Opening Day performance.

After Paul Skenes pitched a 5 1/3-inning gem and the Pittsburgh Pirates built up a 4-1 lead over the Miami Marlins, the Pirates' bullpen – with some assistance from Cruz – absolutely blew it.

Not only did Cruz go 0-for-4 with a walk at the plate; he also made a boneheaded play in center field at a critical moment that ended up costing Pittsburgh the game.

Oneil Cruz's shoddy defense fuels David Bednar walk-off disaster for Pirates

Right-handed pitcher Dennis Santana came on in relief of Skenes in the bottom of the sixth and walked designated hitter Jonah Bride to load the bases. Edwards then scored on a passed ball, cutting the Pirates' lead to 4-2. Santana struck out first baseman Matt Mervis for the second out, but proceeded to walk second baseman Otto Lopez and load the bases once again.

Pirates manager Derek Shelton then turned to left-hander Ryan Borucki, who found himself down 3-0 in the count to pinch hitter Dane Myers before responding with three straight strikes to punch out Myers and maintain the 4-2 Pirates lead heading into the seventh.

The Pirates brought in right-hander Colin Holderman in the bottom of the eighth inning. He promptly allowed a walk to left fielder Kyle Stowers before forcing Bride into a groundout and striking out Mervis for two outs. Stowers still made it to second and scored on an RBI single from Lopez. Lopez ended up on second base because Cruz made the baffling decision to throw to home instead of second.

A single from Myers scored Lopez from second base, tying the game at 4-4. The Pirates had an opportunity to retake the lead in the top of the ninth inning, as Tommy Pham doubled and Bryan Reynolds walked with one out. However, Cruz flied out and Bart struck out, sending the game to the bottom of the ninth.

Pirates brought in maligned closer David Bednar, who appeared to pick up right where he left off last year and allow a triple to catcher Nick Fortes – who hit a ball off the wall in center field that Cruz failed to properly track, adding an extra base.

Bednar intentionally walked Xavier Edwards and then allowed the walk-off single to Stowers, allowing the Marlins to complete the comeback and win, 5-4.

Thursday's loss is a perfect encapsulation of the 2025 Pirates: elite pitching from Skenes, little to no run support, shoddy defense and an even worse bullpen. It looks like it's going to be another long season for Pittsburgh.

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