Esmerlyn Valdez hit his 12th home run in just 31 games, becoming the fourth player in MLB history with at least 12 homers and 31 RBIs in their first 31 games. The Pittsburgh Pirates rookie's two-run shot in the ninth inning powered a 7-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday. The others to achieve the feat: Rhys Hoskins (2017), Aristides Aquino (2018-19), and Will Smith (2019).

The 22-year-old Dominican Republic native, nicknamed "The Magician," has hit safely in 19 of his past 22 games, batting .370 with 18 extra-base hits and 27 RBIs. He's the first Pirates hitter with an extra-base hit and RBI in seven straight games since Willie Stargell in 1971. His 20 RBIs in July lead the majors.

Manager Don Kelly praised Valdez's professional at-bats, while ace Paul Skenes noted his rare combination of power and plate discipline. Valdez, signed in 2021 and promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis in June, credited preparation and teamwork for his historic start.