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Tyler Callihan powers Pirates to comeback win with first career HRs
Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Tyler Callihan (37) reacts after a three-run home run for his second home run of the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Tyler Callihan powers Pirates to comeback win with first two career HRs

In a game with multiple headlines, an unexpected big performance on Wednesday helped the Pittsburgh Pirates mount a comeback to even their series with the defending back-to-back champion Los Angeles Dodgers

Pittsburgh got to Shohei Ohtani, scoring three runs against baseball's unicorn. They rallied after trailing 6-1 entering the seventh inning for a 9-8 win. 

And Spencer Horwitz flipped his bat into oblivion after crushing an epic home run. However, it was Tyler Callihan who had the game of his life. 

Callihan hit two home runs, the first two of his MLB career. 

Tyler Callihan's first home run landed in the river

His first long ball would've been enough on its own to make the night a memorable one for the 25-year-old whom the Pirates traded for in March. 

He sent a pitch off Ohtani all the way out of the ballpark and into the river outside PNC Park in the fourth inning for the first home run of his young career.

Callihan's second home run gave the Pirates the lead

Then, Callihan connected on a go-ahead home run in the eighth, his second big fly of the game and his career. 

Callihan finished the night 2-for-2 with four RBIs, three runs scored and two walks. His four RBIs led the team.

And while no one expected Callihan to be the hero, let alone hit two home runs, with one going into the river. But it happened, and the Pirates wouldn't have won the game without Callihan. 

Now, in six games so far this season, Callihan, who hit .167 with one lone RBI in four games with the Cincinnati Reds in 2025, has a slash line reserved for an All-Star-caliber player. He's hitting .333 with a .529 OBP and a .1,000 slug. 

Mike J. Asti

Mike Asti is an experienced media personality and journalist with a vast resume and skillset, most notably from time with TribLIVE Radio and WPXI-TV. Asti now serves as the Managing Editor of WV Sports Now, where he leads the coverage of WVU sports. He has also covered the Steelers, Penguins, Pirates and other teams within the Pittsburgh market

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