Pittsburgh Pirates Win Thrilling Doubleheader Opener Against Brewers Behind Valdez's Grand Slam

Esmerlyn Valdez launched a grand slam and two home runs to power the Pittsburgh Pirates past the Milwaukee Brewers 7-6 in the first game of their July 13 doubleheader. The Pirates now stand at 50-47 overall, holding the 8th spot in the National League while riding a three-game win streak.

What Happened in the Game?

Valdez’s five-RBI performance highlighted a back-and-forth contest. His grand slam in the fifth inning broke a 3-3 tie, while his second solo homer in the seventh extended the lead. The Brewers rallied with three runs in the final inning but fell short.

Why Valdez's Performance Matters

The 23-year-old outfielder has become a catalyst for Pittsburgh’s offense. His two-homer game marked his third multi-RBI effort in five contests. Valdez’s power surge comes as the Pirates aim to climb the NL standings before the trade deadline.

What's Next for the Pirates?

Following their 14-5 rout of Milwaukee on July 12, Pittsburgh seeks to sweep the doubleheader. The team’s current three-game winning streak—its longest since May—could boost momentum heading into a critical road trip against division rivals.

The Pirates’ bullpen, which surrendered three late runs, remains under scrutiny. Manager Clint Hurdle will likely lean on veteran relievers to stabilize the late-inning situations as the season’s second half unfolds.

With 50 wins in 97 games, Pittsburgh sits 4.5 games out of a wild-card spot. The upcoming schedule features 12 straight games against NL Central opponents, starting with the doubleheader’s nightcap against the Brewers.