Home / Sports / Valdez Grand Slam Powers Pirates Rally
Valdez Grand Slam Powers Pirates Rally
11 Jul
Summary
- Rookie Valdez hit a go-ahead grand slam in the seventh inning.
- Valdez drove in six runs, leading the Pirates to a 7-6 comeback victory.
- Braxton Ashcraft, an All-Star selection, struggled, allowing five runs.
Rookie Esmerlyn Valdez powered the Pittsburgh Pirates to a dramatic 7-6 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers in the first game of a doubleheader on Saturday. Valdez hit two home runs, including a pivotal grand slam in the seventh inning that erased a 6-3 deficit and secured the win.
Valdez's impressive performance included driving in six runs, showcasing his early-season power with nine home runs and 24 RBIs in his first 26 games. The Brewers had taken a 6-5 lead in the seventh before Valdez's decisive hit.
Pittsburgh starter Braxton Ashcraft, an All-Star selection, surrendered five runs over five innings. However, the Pirates' bullpen, with Carmen Mlodzinski earning the win and Gregory Soto notching his 12th save, closed out the game. The Brewers' loss came despite home runs from Jake Bauers and Sal Frelick.
