Baseball

Pirates Make History with Seven Consecutive Walks Against Reds

by
William Caldwell
May 2, 2026

The Pittsburgh Pirates delivered a jaw-dropping performance on Saturday, drawing seven consecutive walks against the Cincinnati Reds, an extraordinary feat that tied a Major League Baseball record. This rare display of plate discipline turned what was already a 5-3 lead into an overwhelming 10-3 advantage, leaving fans and commentators alike in disbelief.

The strike zone woes began in the second inning, following an explosive five-run inning that had already put the Pirates in control. After leadoff hitter Oneil Cruz struck out looking, the Pirates’ lineup exhibited remarkable patience at the plate. The sequence started with the 2-8 batters all drawing walks, prompting the Reds to replace starter Rhett Lowder with reliever Connor Phillips. However, Phillips would only exacerbate the situation, as he walked in four runners, contributing to the historic inning.

After Phillips was finally pulled, Sam Moll took the mound. While Moll managed to avoid issuing a walk to Henry Davis, he did allow another run to score on a fielder’s choice grounder. Cruz then grounded out to end the inning, making him responsible for two of the three outs during this remarkable display of discipline.

By the end of the inning, the Pirates had scored five runs without a single hit, a staggering statistic that underlines the Reds’ pitching struggles. The disbelief in the Pirates’ broadcast booth was palpable as they watched the sequence unfold, culminating in a supercut that captured all seven walks. The excitement was not just for the Pirates but for the rarity of such an event in MLB history.

This feat is not entirely unprecedented; only two other teams in MLB history have yielded seven straight walks. The last occurrence prior to Saturday was also by the Pirates, who achieved the same against the Atlanta Braves in 1983, according to Dan Zangrilli of 93.7 The Fan. The Chicago White Sox first accomplished this unusual milestone back in 1909.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

William Caldwell

William Caldwell is a veteran journalist whose career has spanned the highs and lows of the sports world. With a focus on baseball and hockey, William’s articles are known for their depth and historical perspective, making him a favorite among fans who appreciate the rich traditions of sports. Outside the press box, William is an amateur historian with a particular interest in sports memorabilia.