When a team is struggling, they often lean on experienced players to help break a losing streak. However, on Monday night at PNC Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates opted to turn to their highly regarded rookie, Jared Jones, and the 22-year-old delivered a stabilizing performance beyond expectations.
Facing the first-place Milwaukee Brewers after losing six consecutive games, Jones ensured the Pirates would halt their losing streak. Coming off a strong five-inning outing against the Mets in New York, Jones threw a career-high 91 pitches over six innings to secure his second win of the season.
Despite some moments of less-than-perfect command, Jones limited Milwaukee to just one run on four hits and two walks while striking out seven batters. Notably, he tied the MLB record by recording seven or more strikeouts in each of his first five career starts.
Manager Derek Shelton praised Jones’s resilience, particularly highlighting his ability to navigate a challenging situation in the sixth inning with runners in scoring position. Instead of pulling him early, Shelton entrusted Jones to work through the jam himself, a decision that paid off when Jones fielded a comebacker for the final out.
Jones credited his success to sticking to his identity and maintaining confidence on the mound, even in high-pressure situations. His calm demeanor and impressive pitching arsenal, including a 100-mph fastball and a sharp slider, have contributed to his early success in his career.
Aside from his crucial final out, Jones also impressed earlier in the game by causing Brewers batter Brice Turang to fall with a deceptive slider, showcasing his ability to keep hitters off balance.
Overall, Jones’s standout performance demonstrates his potential as a key contributor for the Pirates, despite his rookie status and the team’s recent struggles.
Jared Jones just threw one of nastiest pitches you will see all season. 😮 pic.twitter.com/mDYibaevZe
— MLB (@MLB) April 22, 2024
In April, the Pirates were in dire need of a performance like Jones’s to halt their downward spiral.
The Pirates began the season with a promising 9-2 record but then endured a rough stretch, going 2-9 in their last 11 games, including a six-game losing streak, reminiscent of their struggles from the previous season.
Last year, the Pirates started strong with a 20-8 record before faltering as the season progressed, ultimately finishing with a 76-86 record and landing in fourth place in the division.
While it’s just one game, each victory became increasingly crucial as the losses mounted. Jones’s contributions played a significant role in securing the much-needed win.
“We really needed this game,” remarked Andrew McCutchen, who had a strong performance with a 3-for-4 showing including a homerun. “Winning against a division rival like this is significant for us. It’s still early in the season, right? We had a hot start, then hit a rough patch, and now we need to regroup. This win was important for us.
“I think it was one of those games we absolutely had to win. We fought hard, scored when necessary, and managed to maintain the lead till the end. It was satisfying. Hopefully, this win will give us some breathing room and momentum for tomorrow.”
