Tommy Pham and Spencer Horwitz powered the Pittsburgh Pirates to an 8-3 victory over the Texas Rangers on June 22, 2025, with a massive five-run fifth inning.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the brooms were coming out at PNC Park, the Pittsburgh Pirates offense erupted. In a stunning display of firepower, the Bucs unleashed a five-run fifth inning to bury the Texas Rangers 8-3 on Sunday, salvaging the series finale and sending the fans home happy.
The Pirates' offense tallied 15 hits, with Tommy Pham and Spencer Horwitz combining for six hits, four doubles, and five RBIs.
The game was deadlocked 2-2 heading into the bottom of the fifth, but the Pirates quickly changed that. Oneil Cruz started the rally with a leadoff walk against Rangers starter Jack Leiter. What followed was a clinic in situational hitting: singles from Nick Gonzales and Bryan Reynolds loaded the bases, setting the stage for Spencer Horwitz. Horwitz smashed a double that, aided by a misplay in the outfield, cleared the bases and scored two. Ke'Bryan Hayes followed with an RBI single, and the rally was capped by a booming RBI double from Tommy Pham, putting the Pirates firmly in control.
Sunday belonged to Tommy Pham and Spencer Horwitz, who were the undisputed engines of the offense. Pham was perfect at the plate, going 3-for-3 with two doubles and three crucial RBIs, including the one that capped the fifth-inning rally and another in the seventh. Not to be outdone, Horwitz went 3-for-4 with two doubles of his own, scoring three times and driving in two. Their performances lit up the dugout and social media, providing a much-needed jolt of energy for the club.
While Pham and Horwitz stole the headlines, the victory was a true team effort. The Pirates racked up 15 total hits, with Bryan Reynolds contributing a three-hit day and Ke'Bryan Hayes driving in two runs. The offensive depth was on full display. On the other side of the ball, the pitching staff did its job, holding the potent Rangers lineup to just three runs. After the offense provided the cushion, the bullpen was lights-out, shutting down any hope of a Texas comeback.
This wasn't just a win; it was a statement. Snapping the losing streak and avoiding a sweep with an offensive explosion is the kind of momentum-builder the Pirates desperately needed. As they head into their next series, the question is whether the bats, awakened by Pham and Horwitz, can stay this hot. If Sunday's 15-hit performance is any indication, the upcoming week could be very exciting for the Buccos.
