Esmerlyn Valdez leaves game after hit-by-pitch
MLB.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez exited Monday's game after being hit in the left wrist by a pitch, with his injury status still under evaluation by medical staff.
- Despite losing Valdez, who has been a standout with 14 home runs in 38 games, the Pirates rallied from a two-run deficit to win 3-2 in 10 innings against the Diamondbacks.
- Brandon Lowe delivered the game-winning single in the 10th inning, while Mason Montgomery escaped a bases-loaded jam to secure the victory.
- The win moved the Pirates into a tie with the Diamondbacks for the final NL Wild Card spot, highlighting the team's resilience amid multiple injuries to key players.
- Pirates manager Don Kelly praised the team's competitive spirit and "next man up" mentality in overcoming adversity during a playoff-like atmosphere.
