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Pirates Shine in Spring Training: Cruz Homers, Gonzales Hits .538

3/2/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates hold a 7-2 Spring Training record.
Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates hit a three-run homer against the Houston Astros.
Nick Gonzales of the Pittsburgh Pirates is batting .538.
Braxton Ashcraft of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitched three scoreless innings against the Houston Astros.
Hunter Barco of the Pittsburgh Pirates is set for his first Spring Training start against the St. Louis Cardinals.

History

Historical Context

The Pittsburgh Pirates, established in 1881, have a rich history in Major League Baseball, winning five World Series titles, including in 1971, when they became the first team to field an all-Black and Latino lineup. Despite a long period of struggle, including a record 20 consecutive losing seasons from 1993 to 2012, the franchise has shown renewed promise with recent Spring Training successes, signaling a potential return to competitiveness.

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Story summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates hold a 7-2 Spring Training record.
Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates hit a three-run homer against the Houston Astros.
Nick Gonzales of the Pittsburgh Pirates is batting .538.
Braxton Ashcraft of the Pittsburgh Pirates pitched three scoreless innings against the Houston Astros.
Hunter Barco of the Pittsburgh Pirates is set for his first Spring Training start against the St. Louis Cardinals.

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