The Pirates currently hold a 27-26 record following a successful series finale in Toronto. Pittsburgh avoided a three-game sweep on Sunday. They powered past the Blue Jays with a trio of home runs. The game ended in a 4-1 victory.
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MLB Game Recap
Mitch Keller had a strong start with 6 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 5 K, and 101 pitches. As a result, the Pirates secured a 4-1 win to close out their road trip. Early solo home runs from Spencer Horwitz and Oneil Cruz gave the Pirates an immediate lead. Yohan Ramírez, Mason Montgomery, and Gregory Soto formed an effective bullpen trio. They limited Toronto to one hit over the final three frames. Gregory Soto earned his fifth save. The sixth inning was decisive. Rookie Esmerlyn Valdez launched a two-run homer to extend the lead. This effectively stifled a Blue Jays comeback attempt.
Standout Performer
Esmerlyn Valdez provided the highlight of the afternoon, finishing 1-for-3 with a home run, two RBIs, and one run scored. Valdez began his major league career with a 0-for-7 streak following his Friday promotion. He then connected on a 345-foot fly ball to right field in the sixth inning off Chase Lee. This was his first career hit. This insurance blast broke open a tight one-run game and ensured the Pirates avoided a series sweep.
Key News & Notes
Reliever Dennis Santana brokered a trade with a young fan. He recovered Valdez’s milestone home run ball. In return, he offered a signed bat and a Pirates cap. The Pirates escaped the game without new injuries. However, the victory was aided by Blue Jays starter Dylan Cease. He exited early with hamstring discomfort, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. left after being hit by a Mitch Keller pitch. The Pirates’ bullpen is finding its rhythm. Gregory Soto has now successfully converted five of his seven save opportunities this season.
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Farm Report
- Triple-A Indianapolis: Enmanuel Valdez went 1-for-3 with a home run and two RBIs in an 8-4 loss to Toledo. Valdez’s sixth-inning blast was the primary offensive highlight in a game where the Indians were outhit 12-5.
- Double-A Altoona: Peyton Graham finished 2-for-3 with an RBI. He also had one run and a walk. The Curve defeated the Erie SeaWolves 8-6. Graham’s disciplined performance helped Altoona hold off a late Erie rally to secure the win.
- High-A Greensboro: Yordany De Los Santos dominated. He went 2-for-5 with a home run. He also had four RBIs and two stolen bases in an 11-4 rout of Winston-Salem. His seven-inning three-run homer capped off a massive offensive display for the Grasshoppers.
- Single-A Bradenton: Levi Sterling threw 5.0 no-hit innings with five strikeouts in a rain-shortened 3-1 victory over Lakeland. An Eddie Rynders three-run home run in the fourth supported Sterling’s dominant performance.
- FCL Pirates: No game scheduled for the FCL Pirates on Sunday.
Looking Ahead
The Pirates return to PNC Park today, Monday, May 25, for a 1:35 p.m. ET Memorial Day matchup against the Chicago Cubs. Right-hander Carmen Mlodzinski (4-3, 3.96 ERA) is the scheduled starter for Pittsburgh as they look to build on their winning momentum at home.
Watching a rookie like Valdez deliver a series-saving home run is thrilling. It is exactly the kind of spark this team needs. They are pushing back over .500. What do you think?
