CHICAGO -- An hour before the game, Oneil Cruz went down to one knee at third base and started to take ground balls with bench coach Don Kelly.
He was the only Pirate player on the field at the time, requesting the extra infield practice because of the team's off-day Wednesday. It's not the first time he has requested extra practice, either.
"I'm just trying to be better on defense, trying to become a master of my craft and trying to make sure I'm securing those routine plays," Cruz said through interpreter Mike Gonzalez.