Boston Red Sox at Pittsburgh Pirates

Rafael Flores Jr. completed a feat Friday night that had happened just five times by the Pirates in the last 21 seasons. The rookie hit his third home run in three straight at-bats dating back to Thursday's game in Miami. Flores unloaded for a second-inning solo shot Friday against the Red Sox to give the Pirates an early lead en route to an 8-4 victory. Flores added two more hits to go 3-for-4, and he has 14 total bases across his last two games, with a 1.076 OPS in 14 games. The win marked Pittsburgh’s second time winning consecutive games since the All-Star break. “I'm just trying to make the most out of the opportunity and certain situations. I'm just trying to capitalize,” Flores said postgame. “Set the tone there a little bit,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said of Flores’ early homer. “That was a tough pitch to hit, and to get it elevated like that was really impressive.” Flores was acquired from the Yankees at the 2025 Trade Deadline as part of the package for closer David Bednar. It has taken Flores some time to acclimate to the Major Leagues, with a short stint in June and a concussion in late July. Flores' 6-foot-3, 232-pound frame proved plenty of ability to hit for power. He said that he hasn’t had a specific swing change but instead has seen results after becoming more consistent in his routine, including eating and lifting. With plenty of injuries riddling the Pirates' lineup, most recently to first baseman Ryan O’Hearn and catcher Endy Rodríguez, there’s a perfect avenue for Flores to fill in both spots when needed. His right-handed bat also helps mitigate struggles against left-handed pitching.