Pirates Set Franchise Record for Home Runs; ‘It’s What Could Have Been’

The Pittsburgh Pirates set a franchise record for home runs during a 5-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park on Wednesday night. Oneil Cruz hit a solo home run off Milwaukee starter Logan Henderson in the bottom of the fourth inning, marking Pittsburgh's 172nd home run of the season. This set a new franchise mark, surpassing the previous record of 171 home runs set in 1999.

Brandon Lowe, Cruz's teammate, noted the significance of the achievement, stating that it's impressive for a franchise as long-standing as the Pirates to etch itself into history books with such an offensive record. Cruz's 19th home run of the season was the most by any player on the team, and Lowe's 31 home runs set a personal record for a Pirate since Josh Bell in 2019.

Despite the surge in home runs, the Pirates have not been trying to hit the ball over the fence; instead, they have been staying within their approach. This approach has resulted in 91 home runs at PNC Park this season, tied for the team's second-most at home in a single season. The Pirates, however, remain out of contention in the playoff chase with a record of 75-77.