Pirates beat Tigers 8-5 on July 22, 2025, with a historic 8-double game. As Horwitz, Pham & Cruz shine, are Keller & Bednar making their final PGH starts?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a night of pure, unadulterated offense at PNC Park. The Pittsburgh Pirates put on a hitting clinic Tuesday, racking up eight doubles to secure their second straight win against the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers, 8-5. While the bats were electric, a different kind of electricity was in the air—the buzz of the looming trade deadline, with two of the night's key contributors, Mitch Keller and David Bednar, potentially making their final appearances in black and gold.
Spencer Horwitz, Tommy Pham, and Oneil Cruz became the first Pirates trio to have two doubles in a single game since 2002.
You'd have to go back 23 years to find a Pirates performance like this one. Spencer Horwitz, Tommy Pham, and Oneil Cruz each slapped two doubles, a historic barrage that powered the offense all night. Horwitz, Bryan Reynolds, and Pham were the main architects of the 8-5 win, each collecting three hits and driving in two runs. Horwitz's two-run double in the second inning set the tone, and the team never looked back. It was a refreshing display of power and clutch hitting that overwhelmed the Tigers.
Even amid the offensive fireworks, the biggest storyline centered on the mound. Mitch Keller was solid, battling through six innings and allowing just three runs in what could be his final start as a Pirate. Every pitch felt like a showcase for the numerous scouts in attendance as his name dominates trade rumors. Capping the night was David Bednar, who slammed the door for his 15th save in 15 tries. Like Keller, the All-Star closer is one of the most sought-after players on the market, making each save feel that much more significant.
The Bucs have a golden opportunity to complete the sweep on Wednesday as they face Tigers right-hander Troy Melton in his Major League debut. With lefty Bailey Falter (6-5, 4.00 ERA) on the mound for Pittsburgh, the matchup looks favorable. Regardless of what happens by July 31st, the long-term outlook remains promising. The 2025 MLB Draft has only bolstered an already deep farm system, with prospects like Termarr Johnson and Lonnie White Jr. representing the next wave of talent.
For now, fans can enjoy the thrill of back-to-back wins against a top contender. The Pirates are playing exciting baseball, and they have a prime opportunity to complete the sweep on Wednesday. But with the trade deadline just over a week away, every game carries extra weight. The next few days could dramatically reshape this team for the rest of the season and beyond.
