Ryan OHearn sets franchise mark in Pirates' win vs. Braves

Published: Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at 2:03 am

Ryan O'Hearn delivered a record-breaking performance Tuesday night, powering the Pittsburgh Pirates to a decisive 12-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves. O'Hearn etched his name in franchise history by smashing three home runs and driving in an astounding 10 runs, marking his first career three-homer game. This remarkable feat also made him the first Pirate to achieve 10 RBIs in a single game and the first player in Major League Baseball to do so since September 19, 2024.

The slugger's career-high RBI total was instrumental in securing the Pirates' third consecutive win and their fourth victory in their last five contests. O'Hearn's offensive explosion was part of a four-hit night. He ignited the scoring in the bottom of the first with a grand slam off Braves starter Hurston Waldrep. He then extended the lead with a three-run homer off Waldrep in the third inning, followed by another three-run blast off reliever Connor Thomas in the sixth. O'Hearn's third home run of the night also represented the 100th of his career and his 16th of the current season. He concluded his plate appearances with a single off Braves shortstop Jorge Mateo, who was brought in to pitch in the eighth inning to conserve Atlanta's bullpen.

Waldrep, the Braves' starter, struggled, surrendering seven runs on six hits and five walks while recording two strikeouts in 3 1/3 innings. The loss marked the Braves' third consecutive defeat. O'Hearn's historic performance also provided a significant boost to Pirates ace Paul Skenes, who earned his first win since May 12th. Skenes' victory ended a nine-game losing streak for the team when he takes the mound, preventing him from tying a record for the longest losing streak by a reigning Cy Young winner's team. Skenes pitched six innings, allowing two runs on eight hits and one walk, with four strikeouts.

The Braves had initially taken a 1-0 lead in the first inning on an RBI single by Mauricio Dubon, scoring Matt Olson. Ozzie Albies added another run for Atlanta with a single in the third. For the Pirates, Brandon Lowe contributed three hits and an RBI, while Nick Gonzales added two hits and an RBI.

BNN's Perspective:
Ryan O'Hearn's extraordinary offensive display is a testament to the power and unpredictability of baseball. While individual heroics can certainly swing a game, the Pirates' recent string of wins, coupled with their ace's return to the victory column, suggests a team finding its rhythm. For the Braves, this loss highlights the need for pitching consistency and a more robust offensive response to counter opponents' scoring outbursts.

Tags: Ryan O'Hearn, Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, home runs, RBIs, grand slam, franchise record, Paul Skenes, Hurston Waldrep, Major League Baseball

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