Tommy Pham powers Pirates to 8-3 win over Rangers, avoid sweep

Sunday, June 22nd, 2025

In Pittsburgh, the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Texas Rangers 8-3 on Sunday, June 22, 2025, to avoid a three-game sweep. Tommy Pham was a key contributor, going 3 for 3 with three RBIs.

The Pirates used a pivotal five-run fifth inning to secure the win. The Rangers initially took a 2-0 lead in the second inning on RBI singles by Josh Smith and Josh Jung. The Pirates narrowed the gap in the fourth when Ke’Bryan Hayes doubled to drive in a run, making it 2-1, before Pham tied it with a sacrifice fly.

The decisive fifth inning saw the Pirates break the tie after Oneil Cruz walked, advanced on a groundout, and Bryan Reynolds singled. Nick Gonzales singled home the go-ahead run, and Spencer Horwitz hit a ball misplayed by Adolis García into a two-run double. Ke’Bryan Hayes added an RBI single, and Pham capped the rally with an RBI double for a 7-2 advantage. Pham drove in Pittsburgh's final run with another double in the seventh.

Pham's stellar performance included two doubles. Spencer Horwitz also had a big day, going 3 for 4 with two doubles, scoring three runs and driving in two. Bryan Reynolds contributed three hits, including a double, and scored a run. The Pirates finished the game with 15 hits.

Pirates starter Bailey Falter (6-3) earned the win, pitching 5 1/3 innings and allowing three runs on six hits and five walks. Three Pirates relievers closed out the game.

Texas starter Jack Leiter (4-5) was charged with the loss, giving up three runs and five hits in four-plus innings before being replaced by Caleb Boushley, who allowed five runs in four innings.

Key Moment

Ke’Bryan Hayes made a crucial defensive play in the third inning with the Pirates trailing 2-0 and runners on second and third. He dove to his left at third base to take away a hit from Adolis García, ending the threat and saving two potential runs.

Key Stat

Despite being in a 4-for-37 slump entering the game, Oneil Cruz used his speed effectively for the Pirates. While attempting his 27th stolen base on a grounder by Andrew McCutchen, he didn't get the steal but prevented a double play. He later scored the go-ahead run, demonstrating the value of his presence on the basepaths.

Up Next

The Pirates are scheduled to open a series in Milwaukee on Monday against Brewers rookie RHP Chad Patrick (3-7, 3.50 ERA). A Pirates starter for the game had not been announced.

Texas will travel to Baltimore to start a series on Monday. The Rangers are scheduled to start LHP Patrick Corbin (4-6, 3.91 ERA) opposite Orioles LHP Trevor Rogers (0-0, 3.12).

In summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Texas Rangers 8-3 on June 22, 2025, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. The Pirates secured the win with a five-run rally in the fifth inning, highlighted by strong offensive performances from Tommy Pham (3-3, 3 RBIs), Spencer Horwitz (3 hits, 2 doubles, 2 RBIs), and Bryan Reynolds (3 hits). Bailey Falter earned the win for Pittsburgh, while Jack Leiter took the loss for Texas. The win helped the Pirates avoid being swept in the three-game series.

Related Links

• Texas Rangers News & Updates
• Texas Rangers Schedule & Scores
• Pittsburgh Pirates News & Updates
• Pittsburgh Pirates Schedule & Scores
• MLB News