Oneil Cruz homers off Mason Miller in 9th, sending Pirates to a 1-0 win over Padres

In a dramatic ninth inning, Pittsburgh Pirates' outfielder Oneil Cruz hit a remarkable line drive, powered by a 98-mph pitch from opposing closer Mason Miller, into right field. This marked Miller's first time allowing a home run in over a year, as Miller, the Padres' All-Star closer, failed to strike out a batter in his previous 73 consecutive appearances.

The home run propelled Cruz to his 17th of the season, leading the Pirates to a 1-0 victory over the San Diego Padres. Pittsburgh's Gregory Soto pitched a scoreless eighth inning, while Mason Montgomery secured the win with his sixth save. The Padres' Michael King, who had started the game, allowed five hits over seven innings. San Diego's bullpen held the Pirates to no runs in consecutive games for the first time since July 23, halting a 21-7 surge into playoff contention.

The Pirates' ace, Mason Skenes, returned to form, pitching six innings of three-hit ball and issuing no walks during his start. He will continue his home stand in the upcoming match against Bubba Chandler.