Horwitz Grand Slam Powers Pirates to Sweep of Tigers

Wednesday, July 23rd, 2025

PITTSBURGH — Spencer Horwitz hit his first career grand slam and Bailey Falter matched a career-high with eight strikeouts to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-1 win and sweep of the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday.

Horwitz drove a two-out cutter from Troy Melton (0-1) 416 feet to centerfield to make it 5-0.

Andrew McCutchen opened the scoring in the first with his ninth homer of the season.

Bryan Reynolds led off with a double and scored on a sacrifice fly from Oneil Cruz in the third inning.

Falter (7-5) gave up one run on four hits without issuing a walk in seven innings, going more than 5 1/3 for the first time since May 31.

Lasting five innings in his major league debut, Melton allowed six runs and seven hits with seven strikeouts and two walks.

Matt Vierling provided Detroit’s lone run with a single in the seventh that scored Spencer Torkelson.

Key Moment

After walking Joey Bart to load the bases with one out in the second, Melton had a way out of the jam when he struck out Isiah Kiner-Falefa on three pitches ahead of Horwitz. He started with a cutter in the dirt before coming back with another that Horwitz took deep.

Key Stat

The Tigers have lost nine of their last 10 games since July 9.

Up Next

Tigers: RHP Reese Olson (4-3, 2.71 ERA) will start Thursday to open a four-game home series against Toronto. LHP Eric Lauer (5-2, 2.80 ERA) will go for the Blue Jays.

Pirates: RHP Mike Burrows (1-3, 4.70 ERA) will take the mound Friday as Pittsburgh stays home for three games against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

In summary

On July 23, 2025, the Pittsburgh Pirates secured a 6-1 victory and series sweep against the Detroit Tigers. Spencer Horwitz hit his first career grand slam, while Bailey Falter pitched seven strong innings with eight strikeouts for the win. Andrew McCutchen contributed with a solo home run. Detroit's only run came from Matt Vierling. The Tigers continue to struggle, having lost nine of their last ten games. Upcoming games feature the Tigers hosting Toronto and the Pirates facing the Arizona Diamondbacks at home.

Related Links

• Detroit Tigers News & Updates
• Detroit Tigers Schedule & Scores
• Pittsburgh Pirates News & Updates
• Pittsburgh Pirates Schedule & Scores
• MLB News