Outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez homered in both games as the Indianapolis Indians split a Wednesday afternoon doubleheader against the Toledo Mud Hens at Fifth Third Field.
Valdez's performance marked the first time he hit home runs in three consecutive games since late August 2025, according to minor league records.
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Game 1: Toledo Wins in Extras
Toledo secured a 3-2 victory in eight innings during the first game after Tyler Gentry delivered a two-out walk-off single against Indianapolis reliever Cam Sanders.
Valdez had given the Indians a temporary 2-1 lead in the sixth inning by blasting his ninth home run of the season at 112.6 mph off the scoreboard.
Indians starter Noah Davis allowed two runs, with one earned, over 5 2/3 innings.
Toledo reliever Woo-Suk Go pitched a perfect eighth inning to earn his first victory of the season.
Game 2: Indians Bounce Back
In the second game, Indianapolis rebounded for a 3-2 victory as Valdez launched a two-run homer off the left field scoreboard in the first inning.
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Nick Cimillo drove in the final Indianapolis run with an RBI double in the second inning, providing all the offense starting pitcher José Urquidy needed.
Urquidy earned his first win of the season by striking out five batters and allowing two runs over five innings.
Michael Darrell-Hicks pitched a scoreless seventh for his second save.
Other Pirates Minor League Action
In other Pittsburgh Pirates minor league action, the Double-A Altoona Curve dropped a 10-6 decision to the Erie SeaWolves despite Javier Rivas hitting a triple and his fifth home run.
The High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers fell 19-8 to the Winston-Salem Dash, though Axiel Plaz and Yordany De Los Santos both hit two-run home runs.
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The Low-A Bradenton Marauders lost 4-1 to the Lakeland Flying Tigers, with Edgleen Perez providing the lone run on his second home run of the season.
