Ronny Simon Hit First Major League Home Run
The 26-year-old infielder helped lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
Updated on Sept. 20, 2026 in Baseball
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Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Ronny Simon recorded his first career major league home run during a 6-5 win against the Kansas City Royals. The 26-year-old player connected on an 80.5 mph changeup in the second inning to give his team a 2-1 lead.
Why it matters
This milestone marks a significant moment for Simon, who reached the major leagues in April 2025 and spent 41 career games without a home run before this performance. The win was secured as the Pirates combined for three two-run home runs to edge out the Royals at PNC Park.
Simon launched his first career long ball with an exit velocity of 104.7 mph on a 393-foot drive. The Pirates ultimately defeated the Royals 6-5 behind an offense that tallied three two-run home runs.
The players
Ronny Simon
He is a 26-year-old infielder who signed with the Chicago Cubs in 2018 and is currently competing for a role on the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Noah Cameron
He is a pitcher who has logged 166 1/3 innings this season and holds a 3.84 ERA for the Kansas City Royals.
Pittsburgh Pirates
This is a professional Major League Baseball team based in Pittsburgh that plays its home games at PNC Park.
Kansas City Royals
This is a professional Major League Baseball team based in Kansas City that competed against the Pirates on September 19, 2026.
The details
Simon connected with an 80.5 mph changeup in the second inning to clear the left-field corner at PNC Park. The victory saw the Pirates rely on power, with the team hitting three two-run homers to overcome the Royals.
Timeline
Ronny Simon signed with the Chicago Cubs in 2018.
Simon reached the major leagues with the Marlins in April 2025.
The home run was hit on September 19, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This performance helps build Simon's resume as he enters the offseason looking to secure a bench role for the 2027 season. The win also contributes to the late-season momentum of the Pittsburgh Pirates as they wrap up their schedule.
Simon's power display provides a specific data point for fantasy managers looking at bench depth for future drafts. His success against Noah Cameron also highlights the potential for late-season roster adjustments as the club evaluates talent for next year.
The takeaway
First home runs often represent a pivotal turning point for young players adjusting to the major league level. Establishing this baseline of power is an essential step for Simon as he aims to transition from a developmental prospect to a consistent bench contributor.
Further reading
For more on the current standing and performance of the team, visit the Pittsburgh Baseball section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Sports Illustrated.
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