Ryan O'Hearn has three homers, sets the franchise RBI record as the Pirates bash the Braves

Colin Beazley, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Jul 7, 2026

Published in Baseball

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PITTSBURGH — Ryan O’Hearn made sure Paul Skenes’ losing streak didn’t reach 10.

He then took an well-deserved curtain call.

O’Hearn set a Pirates franchise record on Tuesday, driving in the first 10 runs with three homers as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Atlanta Braves, 12-4, at PNC Park.

O’Hearn hit a first-inning grand slam against Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep, then followed with a three-run shot off Waldrep in the third. The Braves brought in left-hander Connor Thomas in the fourth, who got O’Hearn to ground out. Facing Thomas again in the sixth, once again with two runners on, O’Hearn launched his third homer of the night and the 100th of his career into the seats above the Clemente Wall.

O’Hearn had a chance at a fourth homer against position player Jorge Mateo in the eighth, but took a half swing and singled. He was then replaced by pinch-runner Billy Cook and applauded as he left the field.

His 10 RBIs broke a World War II-era franchise record, as Johnny Rizzo drove in nine in the second game of a doubleheader on May 30, 1939. No Pirate had driven in seven since Josh Bell on July 1, 2019. O’Hearn tied that mark in the third inning.

In the last 105 years, just 11 players have hit three homers and driven in 10-plus runs in a game. The last was Shohei Ohtani on Sept. 19, 2024.

The support was more than enough for Skenes to snap his losing streak. Skenes settled down after a 26-pitch first inning, allowing two runs in six innings for his first quality start in three starts.

Skenes wasn’t untouchable, allowing eight hits and a walk. But he showed something that he does at his best, stranding baserunners and pitching around contact. He ended both the fourth and fifth innings with double plays, then stranded a one-out double at third in the sixth.

Mateo pitched the eighth for the Braves, allowing an RBI single to Nick Gonzales but stranding the bases loaded.

It was over when …

O’Hearn’s third homer hit the seats, giving the Pirates a 10-2 lead. The Pirates have found ways to lose Skenes’ starts before, yet with Carmen Mlodzinski in and an eight-run lead, Skenes’ first win since May 12 felt safe.

On the mound

Skenes struck out just four, his fewest since May 23. The eight hits were the most he allowed since that day. But he gave the Pirates length, putting them in position to win.

Mlodzinski pitched two innings in relief of Skenes, facing the minimum and striking out two. He threw just 24 pitches.

At the plate

O’Hearn drove in the first 10 Pirates runs before Brandon Lowe added an RBI single in the seventh.

Infielder Jack Brannigan made his major league debut in the seventh inning, pitch-hitting for Bryan Reynolds (who walked in his first three at-bats and scored twice). He struck out on three pitches.

Bucs bites

— Joey Bart faced the Pirates for the first time since he was dealt to the Braves for Hunter Stratton, entering as a defensive replacement in the seventh. When he came up to bat in the eighth, grounding out to second base, the Pirates showed “Thank you, Joey” on the video board.

— Stratton made his Pirates debut in the game, pitching the ninth inning. He allowed three hits and two runs.

— Henry Davis was the only Pirate who did not record a hit. Every other Pirate reached base at least twice (Davis walked once), as the Braves issued seven walks. In 3 1/3 innings, Waldrep walked five.

Up next

The Pirates will look to win their fourth consecutive game at 6:40 p.m. ET Wednesday. Jared Jones (1-1, 5.28 ERA) will pitch for the Pirates against Atlanta right-hander Grant Holmes (5-4, 3.83).

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