Cruz, O’Hearn Flip the Script as Pirates Crush Left-on-Left Narrative
LEFT ON LEFT? PIRATES DON’T CARE
For years, it’s been the glaring weakness in Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz’s game.
In 2025, Cruz hit just .102 against left-handed pitching, with one home run and eight RBIs. It was a hole pitchers attacked relentlessly—and one Cruz knew he had to fix. So, he did something about it, hiring a left-handed batting practice arm to get more reps and adjust his approach.
On Tuesday, those adjustments showed.
Facing Cincinnati Reds left-hander Brandon Williamson, Cruz delivered two hits. First, a controlled single on a two-strike slider—his first hit off a lefty this season. Then came the statement: a towering home run on a fastball, matching his entire 2025 total against lefties in one swing.
He wasn’t alone.
New addition Ryan O’Hearn followed with a three-run blast, giving the Pirates two left-on-left home runs in the same game—something that was almost unthinkable a year ago.
And it’s no coincidence.
PNC Park is built for left-handed power. The 21-foot Clemente Wall in right field practically dares hitters to lift the ball. This offseason, the Pirates leaned into that identity, adding bats like O’Hearn and Brandon Lowe with visions of balls flying toward the Allegheny River.
But the numbers suggested caution.
O’Hearn hit .278 against lefties in 2025 but managed just three home runs in 109 plate appearances. Lowe hit .195 against southpaws, with only five of his 31 home runs coming in those matchups. Combined, Cruz, O’Hearn and Lowe accounted for just a handful of left-on-left power last season.
That’s why Tuesday mattered.
It’s one game—but it’s a glimpse. A sign that adjustments are being made, and maybe—just maybe—the Pirates are building something more complete offensively.
If that carries over, this lineup won’t just be improved.
It’ll be dangerous.
