Bryan Reynolds and Rowdy Tellez celebrate after hitting home runs in the Pittsburgh Pirates' record-tying 14-2 victory over the New York Mets. © Twitter (@StatsCentre)
Pirates’ Power Surge: 7 Home Runs, 14 Runs, Unstoppable Night!
The Pittsburgh Pirates tied a franchise record by smashing seven home runs in a commanding 14-2 victory over the New York Mets on Friday night. The offensive onslaught was so explosive that the team ran out of fireworks, delighting the sellout crowd at PNC Park.
Historic Night for Reynolds and Tellez
Bryan Reynolds and Rowdy Tellez etched their names into the MLB history books, becoming the first team member to hit multiple homers, including a grand slam, in the same game. Reynolds, who tied a career-high with six RBIs, continued his torrid streak with a 25-game hitting run in June. With a four-hit performance, Reynolds joked, “What is it, June 38th?” after raising his batting average to .280.
All Homers, All the Time
All 14 Pirates’ runs came via the long ball, marking their most runs scored exclusively with home runs in a game since at least 1900. “We hit so many home runs that we ran out of fireworks,” the Pirates posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We’re being serious.”
Skenes Shines Again
Rookie sensation Paul Skenes (5-0) delivered another strong performance, allowing two runs on four hits with a walk and 8 strikeouts over seven innings. His ERA nudged up slightly to 2.12. Skenes, the mustachioed right-hander, has struck out seven or more batters in nine of his first 10 starts, a major league record for the beginning of a career. He has thrown 74 pitches clocked at 100 mph or more this season, more than double anyone else in the majors.
Reynolds and Tellez weren’t the only Pirates swinging hot bats. Michael A. Taylor recorded four hits, including a homer, while Jack Suwinski and Yasmani Grandal also went deep. Tellez’s grand slam highlighted a six-run eighth inning, capping off a night where the Mets tied their club record for home runs allowed in a game.
Reynolds’ Multi-Homer Feat
Reynolds achieved a rare feat by homering from both sides of the plate, a mark accomplished only five times in Pirates history since 1900. His two-run homer off Luis Severino (5-3) in the fifth inning gave Pittsburgh the lead, while his grand slam off reliever Jake Diekman in the seventh put the game out of reach.
Skenes Eyes All-Star Selection
Skenes, who retired 11 of his final 12 batters, bolstered his chances of making the NL All-Star team. “I’d love to be there,” Skenes said. “But it’s not my decision to make.”
Pirates Pitching and Hitting in Sync
Despite their below-.500 record (42-45), the Pirates’ starting rotation boasts the lowest ERA in the National League since June 1. This strong pitching performance, coupled with the sudden surge in offensive power, gives fans hope for a turnaround as the season progresses.
Key Highlights
- Bryan Reynolds: 4 hits, 2 home runs, 6 RBIs, batting average up to .280.
- Rowdy Tellez: 2 home runs, including a grand slam.
- Paul Skenes: 7 innings pitched, 2 runs allowed, 8 strikeouts, ERA at 2.12.
- Pirates’ Offense: All 14 runs via home runs, tying a franchise record with 7 homers in a game.
- Mets’ Struggle: Allowed 7 home runs, tying their club record for most homers allowed in a game.
The Pirates’ emphatic victory over the Mets not only tied a franchise record but also showcased the potential of a team that, when firing on all cylinders, can be a formidable force in Major League Baseball. Fans and analysts will closely watch if this performance ignites a lasting resurgence throughout the season.