Tue Jul 08 17:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Cruz Unleashes Rocket Arm, But Pirates Fall to Mariners in Shutout**
**SEATTLE, WA -** Pittsburgh Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz electrified fans with a jaw-dropping throw on Sunday, but it wasn’t enough to break the Pirates’ offensive drought as they fell to the Seattle Mariners 1-0, suffering their third consecutive shutout loss.
In the first inning, with a runner on first, Mariners’ Jorge Polanco singled to left-center field. Cruz, showcasing his impressive athleticism, charged the ball, and unleashed a 105.2 mph laser to home plate, nailing J.P. Crawford, who attempted to score from first. The throw was the second-fastest outfield assist since Statcast began tracking data in 2015.
“It was unbelievable, honestly, one of the best plays that I’ve seen live,” said Pirates interim manager Don Kelly. “To be able to make that going that way and across his body and throw back to home as accurate as it was, just an amazing play.”
The only throw faster that resulted in an out was a 105.5 mph throw by Aaron Hicks in 2016. It was also the fastest throw ever recorded by a Pirates outfielder.
Even All-Star pitcher Paul Skenes, who delivered five scoreless innings with 10 strikeouts, was impressed. “Yeah, I had the best seat in the house. That was unbelievable,” Skenes said. “Henry [Davis] played it perfectly, too. It feels lucky, but I know Henry and Oneil created luck for me there.”
Cruz, already known for his prodigious power – he recently recorded the hardest-hit ball in the Statcast era at 122.9 mph – continues to solidify his reputation as a player with rare physical gifts.
Despite Cruz’s heroics, the Pirates offense remained silent.
First Piper 