Ryan O’Hearn set a new franchise record for the Pittsburgh Pirates by recording 10 runs batted in during a 12-4 victory over the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday. The first baseman achieved the mark with three home runs, including a grand slam in the first inning, followed by a three-run homer in the third, and another three-run shot in the sixth. O’Hearn’s 10 RBIs surpassed the previous franchise record of nine, set by Johnny Rizzo in 1939, and represent the highest RBI total by any Major League Baseball player so far this season.
O’Hearn, who was an All-Star last year, also became the 16th player in the Pirates’ 145-year history to hit three homers in a single game. His offensive performance played a key role in Pittsburgh’s commanding win over Atlanta.
In other team news, the Pirates placed 20-year-old rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin on the 10-day injured list due to a knuckle injury on the ring finger of his left hand. Griffin’s injury occurred during the early stages of Sunday’s game against the Washington Nationals. According to Pirates director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk, Griffin is expected to be sidelined for 8 to 10 weeks. Griffin made his major league debut in April and recently signed a long-term contract extension with the team prior to the injury.
The Pirates now face the challenge of adjusting their infield lineup while continuing their season with the boost from O’Hearn’s historic performance.
