Pirates’ Oneil Cruz Blames the Sun After 2 Massive Mistakes in Opening Day Defeat

Oneil Cruz misjudged two back-to-back fly balls and dropped them, leading to the New York Mets scoring 4 runs and taking a 5-2 lead in the first inning.

Pirates’ Oneil Cruz Blames the Sun After 2 Massive Mistakes in Opening Day Defeat

Oneil Cruz (Image via MLB/X/@JomboyMedia)

Pittsburgh Pirates star Oneil Cruz had a poor outing on Thursday as he made two massive fielding mistakes in the first inning. After the game, the outfielder bizarrely blamed the sun for his mistakes.

The Pirates took on the New York Mets at Citi Field in their opening encounter. They would have reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Paul Skenes on the mound for the first game of the 2026 season.

Things started well for Cruz and his team. After a leadoff single from him, Brandon Lowe would hit a 2-run home run to put the Pirates 2-0 up in the first inning. It was at the bottom of this frame where things went south for the Dominican Republic star.

After walking Francisco Lindor, Skenes would give up a single to Juan Soto. Bo Bichette would drive in his first RBI for the Mets through a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit in half.

A single from Jorge Polanco and a walk to Luis Robert Jr. would load up the bases for the Mets. Brett Baty would then hit a fly ball to center field.

Cruz would misjudge the ball completely and failed to make the catch. The ball flew over his head and dropped safely, which allowed the Mets to cash in 3 runs through an RBI triple.

On the very next play, Cruz made another mistake. He would once again misjudge the ball hit by Marcus Semien and drop another routine fly ball, allowing the former Texas Rangers star to reach second base and drive in another run.

These two errors from him proved costly for Skenes. The starting pitcher was unable to complete the first inning and was replaced after throwing just 37 pitches.

The Mets ended up winning the game 11-7 and started the new campaign on a high note. For Cruz, it was a day to forget. While speaking with the reporters after the game, the player would claim that the sun was directly in his face.

Just the sun was right in front of my face. You don’t want those things to happen, but it was really uncomfortable today to have the sun right in front of my face.

Oneil Cruz said via his translator as per SNY Mets

An NBA star took a massive swipe at Oneil Cruz following his mistakes

Oneil Cruz would not like to look back at the 2026 Opening Day as he made 2 massive fielding errors early in the game. An NBA star would take a massive swipe at him following his mistakes.

Oneil Cruz
Oneil Cruz (Image via Fox News)

Cruz originally started his career as a shortstop. He started playing as an outfielder in August 2024.

Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid did not like what he saw. The former NBA MVP would take a shot at his fellow Pennsylvania athlete on X with a 7-word message.

Cruz, get ready to learn DH buddy!!

Joel Embiid said regarding Oneil Cruz

Cruz’s disastrous opening day would end with him going 1-for-5 with 3 strikeouts. He was also involved in the first successful ABS Challenge, as a walk decision was overturned in the third inning, resulting in him striking out.

This loss marked a second straight Opening Day defeat for the Pirates and their ace pitcher, Paul Skenes. They will be hoping to put this disappointment behind them and bounce back on Friday.

Also Read: