Full Breakdown
Ryan O’Hearn’s Three-Homer, 10-RBI Game Propels Pirates to Historic Win
7/8/2026, 6:38:00 AM
Record-Breaking Three-Homer Performance
On July 7, 2026, Pittsburgh first baseman Ryan O’Hearn went 4-for-5 at PNC Park, delivering a first-inning grand slam, a three-run shot in the third, and another three-run homer in the sixth. All three homers came off Atlanta starter Hurston Waldrep (first two) and reliever Connor Thomas (sixth). The hits produced ten runs batted in, a club-record, and O’Hearn added a single in the eighth against position-player pitcher Jorge Mateo.
Historical Context and MLB Precedents
O’Hearn’s ten RBIs eclipsed the Pirates’ single-game mark of nine set by Johnny Rizzo on May 30, 1939. He became the 11th player since RBIs became official in 1920 to record a three-homer, ten-RBI game, and the first to do so since Shohei Ohtani’s ten-RBI effort in September 2024. The performance ranks as the 18th ten-RBI game in major-league history and the first of the 2026 season.
Key Players and Pitching Matchups
The night also featured ace pitcher Paul Skenes (7-8, 3.58 ERA), who earned his first win since May 12 by allowing two runs on eight hits over six innings. Waldrep surrendered seven runs—all driven in by O’Hearn—in 3 1/3 innings and issued five walks. Reliever Connor Thomas yielded O’Hearn’s third homer. The Braves turned infielder Jorge Mateo into a pitcher in the eighth, limiting O’Hearn to a single. Pittsburgh also lost rookie left-hander Konnor Griffin to a two-month injury and saw prospect Jack Brannigan make his MLB debut as a pinch-hitter and third-base defender.
Game Statistics and Milestones
The Pirates defeated the Braves 12-4 before a crowd of 20,281, improving to 47-45. Atlanta entered the game 52-38 and leading the NL East. O’Hearn finished the season with 16 home runs, and his RBI total is reported as 64 by US Today and 61 by TheScore; his offensive line is cited as .820 OPS (US Today) and .293/.351/.500 (TheScore). He became the 16th Pirate to hit three homers in a game and the first since Josh Bell (July 1, 2019) to record seven RBIs in a single contest.
Impact on the Pirates and the Season
O’Hearn’s output provided a “welcome boost” for Pittsburgh, especially after the loss of Griffin. The performance helped halt a nine-start losing streak for Skenes and contributed to the Pirates’ third consecutive win. For the Braves, the loss marked their third straight defeat, narrowing their division lead.
Official Statements & Responses
Pirates officials highlighted the night as a morale-lifting moment, noting that O’Hearn’s record-setting game “gave the Pirates a welcome boost” amid roster setbacks. No additional commentary from Atlanta was included in the source material.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on O’Hearn’s cumulative offensive totals after the game. US Today lists 64 RBIs and a .820 OPS, while TheScore reports 61 RBIs and a .293/.351/.500 slash line. No other factual contradictions were identified.
What’s Next
The Pirates and Braves will continue their three-game series on Wednesday, with Pittsburgh seeking to extend its winning streak and Atlanta aiming to recover its division lead.
