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Esmerlyn Valdez shines with 3 home runs in Pirates doubleheader

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 11, 2026, 11:09 PM

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

Esmerlyn Valdez shines with 3 home runs in Pirates doubleheader

Summary

Esmerlyn Valdez of the Pittsburgh Pirates had a standout performance in a doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers on July 11, 2026. He hit three home runs and totaled eight RBIs across both games. Valdez launched a grand slam in Game 1, contributing to an exciting 7-6 victory. He followed up with a two-run homer in Game 2, leading to a 3-2 win. The rookie now holds the record for most home runs in Pirates history during the first 27 career games, with a total of 10 home runs.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Valdez hit two homers in Game 1 and one in Game 2.
•He recorded 4 hits in 8 at-bats on the day.
•Pittsburgh won the first game 7-6 and the second 3-2.
•Valdez's 10 home runs set a new franchise record for initial games.

Latest Updates

4:46 PMYahoo Sports — Pirates' Esmerlyn Valdez is Hitting Home Runs at the Best Rate in MLB History
2:49 AMYahoo Sports — Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez establishes MLB go-ahead hitting history versus Brewers
11:09 PMYahoo Sports — Pirates red-hot rookie Esmerlyn Valdez tallies 3 home runs, 8 RBI in doubleheader vs. Brewers

What they're saying

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The first-year player collected four doubleheader hits that provided Pittsburgh with a lead, including a Game 1-clinching grand slam.
— Yahoo Sports