Pirates in baseball: Jeff Hoffman, Jays win again to lead AL East; Marlins back to winning

by | Jul 4, 2025

The Toronto Blue Jays are back in first place in the AL East after sweeping the New York Yankees on Thursday.

East Carolina baseball alum Jeff Hoffman picked up his third save this week and 21st of the season as the Jays won 8-5. The win gives Toronto a one-game lead over the Yankees going into their weekend series with the Los Angeles Angels.

For the third straight game, Hoffman gave up a hit, this time a double. However, once again, he got the final two outs on liners to end it.

Connor Norby and Clayton McCullough

The Miami Marlins had their eight-game win streak end on Wednesday. So the Fish started another one.

ECU alums Connor Norby and manager Clayton McCullough picked up a 4-1 win on Thursday. Thanks to a three-run first inning, the Marlins never trailed to pick up their ninth win in the past 10 games.

Norby finished 0-for-3 at the plate as McCullough’s team improved to 39-46.

See below to find out what the rest of the Pirates in baseball did on Thursday.

Major League Baseball

  • Connor Norby, Miami Marlins: See above
  • Alec Burleson, St. Louis Cardinals: Off Thursday. At Cubs on Friday
  • Shawn Armstrong, Texas Rangers: Off Thursday. At Padres on Friday 
  • Gavin Williams, Cleveland Guardians: Did not pitch in 1-0 loss to Cubs
  • Jeff Hoffman, Toronto Blue Jays: See above
  • Clayton McCullough, Miami Marlins (manager): See above 

Triple-A

  • Carson Whisenhunt, Sacramento RiverCats (Giants): Did not pitch in 15-9 win over Reno
  • Zach Agnos, Albuquerque Isotopes (Rockies): Did not pitch in 7-4 loss to El Paso

Double-A

  • Trey Yesavage, New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays): Did not pitch in 7-5 win over Portland
  • Carter Spivey, Akron Rubber Ducks (Guardians): Remains on injured list with right shoulder strain (began June 12)
  • Trey Benton, Akron Rubber Ducks (Guardians): On season-ending disabled list

Single-A

  • Carter Cunningham, Vancouver Canadians (Blue Jays): Did not play in 6-5 loss to Everett in 10 innings
  • Josh Moylan, Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees): Did not play in 4-1 win over Brooklyn
  • Josh Grosz, Hudson Valley Renegades (Yankees): Did not pitch in 4-1 win over Brooklyn
  • Tyler Bradt, Peoria Chiefs (Cardinals): Pitched the eighth and ninth innings in 3-2 win over South Bend in 10 innings. Struck out two to lower ERA to 3.06.
  • Jacob-Jenkins-Cowart, Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins): Hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning in 12-5 win over Wisconsin. Finished 1-for-5 with a run and two RBI.
  • Ryan McCrystal, Daytona Tortugas (Reds): Rained out vs. St. Lucie. Will make up game on July 24.
  • Wyatt Lunsford-Shenkman, Modesto Nuts (Mariners): Placed on full-season disabled list on April 15.
  • Erik Ritchie, Clearwater Threshers (Phillies): Game suspended due to rain. Will be made up as part of doubleheader on Friday.
  • Landon Ginn, Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Cubs): Picked up his first hold of the season in a 3-1 win over Charleston. Pitched the sixth and seventh innings, gave up a hit and struck out two.

Frontier League

  • Danny Beal, Down East Bird Dawgs (Independent): Did not pitch in 9-8 win over Trois-Rivieres. In the first game, he took the loss in a 14-2 Trois-Rivieres win. Gave up four earned runs on one hit with five walks and two strikeouts. Record is now 1-3 with a 7.14 ERA.

Photo credit: Jeff Hoffman (Toronto Blue Jays photo)

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