Braxton Ashcraft works 8 efficient innings, Oneil Cruz homers as Pirates top Tigers 4-1

Pittsburgh Pirates defeated Detroit Tigers 4-1 in a game where rookie pitcher Braxton Ashcraft allowed only five hits over eight efficient innings. Oneil Cruz, returning from the injured list, hit a home run in his first at-bat since June. Ashcraft (13-5), a first-time All-Star, struck out four and walked none while throwing just 80 pitches.

The win marks Ashcraft's fourth in five starts and the first for a Pittsburgh pitcher since A.J. Burnett in 2012. Cruz, who broke his left hand in early June, sent a 2-2 knuckle curve 422 feet to right-center. Mason Montgomery recorded his fifth save by working the ninth inning. Cruz's 15th homer of the season ties Pittsburgh's 81st homer at PNC Park, matching the 2003 team's total.

Detroit, aiming for the AL wild-card spot, lost four of their last five games. Montero, perfect through four innings, walked Esmeryln Valez on four pitches before Cruz's homer. Montero surrendered three runs on four hits in five innings. The series wraps up on Wednesday. Starting pitcher Paul Skenes (9-11, 3.88 ERA) will face Detroit's Jackson Jobe (1-1, 6.23) in the final game.