Pirates hitters reach embarrassing new low with 'strikeout cycle' in ninth inning

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in quite the slump, losing eight of their past 10 games following a promising 9-2 start to the 2024 season. The biggest culprit in the slump is a lineup that has seen almost every hitter go into a major slump. That lineup reached an embarrassing new low in the ninth inning of Saturday's 4-2 loss to the Boston Red Sox.

It was in that inning that the Pirates went through what can only be referred to as a "strikeout cycle" in which all three hitters struck out in three completely different ways.

Shortstop Oneil Cruz began the inning by striking out looking against Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen.

That was followed by center fielder Michael A. Taylor being called out on strikes due to a pitch-clock violation. Taylor had attempted to step out of the box as the pitch clock went below eight seconds despite having already used his timeout during the at-bat. That call ended up getting Pirates manager Derek Shelton ejected.

The Pirates completed the cycle on the next batter when designated hitter Edward Olivares struck out swinging.

Three batters. Three strikeouts. Three completely different ways. All in one inning.

It is honestly an impressively bad performance by a lineup that has progressively gotten worse as the season has gone on. 

Strikeouts have been a major problem for the Pirates hitters, as they have already struck out more than 210 times – third most in the league – through their first 21 games. That includes their 10 strikeouts on Saturday.