{"id":611547,"date":"2026-03-07T11:06:23","date_gmt":"2026-03-07T11:06:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/611547\/"},"modified":"2026-03-07T11:06:23","modified_gmt":"2026-03-07T11:06:23","slug":"pirates-oneil-cruz-crushes-home-run-for-dominican-republic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/mlb\/611547\/","title":{"rendered":"Pirates’ Oneil Cruz Crushes Home Run for Dominican Republic"},"content":{"rendered":"

PITTSBURGH \u2014 Oneil Cruz has a big season ahead of him with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but he’s currently showing off his talents for his country at the World Baseball Classic.<\/p>\n

It was a great star for Cruz with Team Dominican Republic, as he crushed a three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning in the 12-3 win over Team Nicaragua in the Pool Play opener at loanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins on March 7.<\/p>\n

Cruz faced off against Nicaragua right-handed pitcher Osman Gutierrez and foul two pitches and took two balls before unloading on a 91.4 mph four-seam fastball, hitting it 116.4 mph off the bat and sending it 450 feet with a 28 degree launch angle.<\/p>\n

\ud83e\udd2fNEIL.<\/p>\n

450 ft. 116.8 mph exit velocity. pic.twitter.com\/eqZ1kDZH80<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 7, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

The Pirates center fielder put the ball into the upper deck in right field at loanDepot Park, sending the mostly Dominican crowd into a frenzy in just his first at-bat at the World Baseball Classic.<\/p>\n

Cruz also received a huge support from his Team Dominican Republic teammates, who all came out and dapped him up at home plate, with third baseman Manny Machado putting a jacket on Cruz, which had the flag of the Dominican Republic on it.<\/p>\n

\"Dominican<\/p>\n

Mar 6, 2026; Miami, FL, United States; Dominican Republic center fielder Oneil Cruz (15) celebrates his three-run home run in the eighth inning against Nicaragua with teammates at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images | Jim Rassol-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

The Pirates will need Cruz to put up some<\/a> great home run numbers this season and this home run is exactly what they’re looking for going forward.<\/p>\n

Pirates Bullpen Features For Team Dominican Republic<\/p>\n

Cruz is joined by two Pirates relief pitchers on Team Dominican Republic in right-hander Dennis Santana<\/a> and left-hander Gregory Soto.<\/p>\n

The Pirates reliever duo both pitched in the win over Team Nicaragua, with the bullpen giving up just three hits and a walk over the final 7.2 innings.<\/p>\n

Santana threw a scoreless fifth inning, getting a pop out, a fly out and a ground out to keep the game tied.<\/p>\n

\"<\/p>\n

Sep 27, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Dennis Santana (60) pitches the ball against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images | Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

Soto would come on in the ninth inning, but loaded the bases, giving up back-to-back singles and a walk, before getting a strikeout for the first out of the inning. <\/p>\n

Right-handed pitcher Elvis Alvarado came in for Soto and got a double play to secure the win for Team Dominican Republic. <\/p>\n

Both Pirates pitchers should feature as the most consistent performers out of the bullpen in 2026.<\/p>\n

Santana finished with a 4-5 record in 70 appearances in 2025, a 2.18 ERA over 70.1 innings pitched, 13 holds, 16 saves in 19 opportunities, 60 strikeouts to 17 walks, a .179 opposing batting average and a 0.87 WHIP.<\/p>\n

The Pirates need more appearances like that out of Santana, who will serve as one of their most important bullpen pieces in 2026.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh signed<\/a> Soto to a one-year, $7.75 million deal, made official on Dec. 15, their biggest bullpen addition this winter.<\/p>\n

Soto is coming off of a 2025 season where he had a 3.96 ERA over 45 appearances and 36.1 innings pitched with the Baltimore Orioles, before they traded him to the New York Mets at the deadline.<\/p>\n

\"Baltimore<\/p>\n

Jul 19, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Baltimore Orioles pitcher Gregory Soto (65) throws a pitch against the Tampa Bay Rays in the eighth inning at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images<\/p>\n

He had his best seasons as a closer with the Detroit Tigers in 2021 and 2022, earning back-to-back All-Star nods.<\/p>\n

Soto posted a 3.39 ERA with 18 saves in 19 opportunities in 2021 and a 3.28 ERA and 30 saves in 33 opportunities in 2022.<\/p>\n

The Pirates will utilize Soto in a variety of roles, including as setup man and closer, as they’ll have him in different high-leverage situations.<\/p>\n

Dominican Republic Pool Play Group D Games Remaining<\/p>\n

Opponent<\/p>\n

Date<\/p>\n

First Pitch<\/p>\n

TV<\/p>\n

Netherlands <\/p>\n

March 8<\/p>\n

12:00 p.m. <\/p>\n

FOX<\/p>\n

Israel<\/p>\n

March 9<\/p>\n

12:00 p.m. <\/p>\n

FS1<\/p>\n

Venezuela<\/p>\n

March 11<\/p>\n

8:00 p.m. <\/p>\n

FS1<\/p>\n

Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!<\/a><\/p>\n