Pirates sweep Brewers series with doubleheader win and 14-5 rout

Rookie right‑fielder Esmerlyn Valdez delivered a go‑ahead grand slam and a second home run in the first game of a Saturday doubleheader, helping the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Milwaukee Brewers 7‑6. She finished with six RBIs and had hit two homers in the game, giving her ten career home runs in 27 games. The Pirates won the nightcap 3‑2, completing a doubleheader sweep.

The following day, the Pirates completed a three‑game sweep with a 14‑5 victory. Starting pitcher Paul Skenes earned his second straight win, allowing two runs over 5 1/3 innings while striking out seven. The offense erupted in the fourth inning with ten runs, highlighted by Marcell Ozuna’s homer and multiple RBI hits. The win moved Pittsburgh above .500 for the first time since 2016 and gave them momentum heading into the All‑Star break.

“​It says a lot about our team,” Pirates first‑baseman Ryan O’Hearn said after the sweep. “We’re in a good spot, even with the injuries.”