Pirates 2024 Home Opener
The Pirates are heading back to Pittsburgh for their home opener, Friday afternoon, against the Baltimore Orioles.
Photo by William Yurasko.
The Pirates took down the Washington Nationals 7-4 on Thursday, bringing their record to 6-1. The club took a 4-0 lead in the first inning, which included a two-run single by Rowdy Tellez. Connor Joe also hit his first homer of the year, a two-run blast in the fifth. The Nationals got within three runs late in the game, but the Pirates were able to hang on to their lead and secure the win.
The Bucs are hoping to continue their hot start as the Baltimore Orioles come to Pittsburgh boasting a 4-2 record. RHP Grayson Rodriguez is expected to get the start for Baltimore. In his most recent start, last Saturday against the Angels, he pitched six innings and amassed nine strikeouts, and allowed just four hits and one run. He comes into this game against the Buccos with a career 8-4 record as a starter.
This figures to be one of the most exciting home openers for Pittsburgh in recent memory. For starters, RHP Jared Jones is expected to start for the Pirates, an opportunity that he calls “an awesome privilege.”
Jones had an awesome major league debut last week, in Miami, which included 10 strikeouts and a win. The hype surrounding this kid is so much fun to follow, and I’m hoping it continues after he takes the mound tomorrow night in front of a sold out crowd in Pittsburgh.
Jim Leyland will throw out the first pitch ahead of the game. He was the manager of the club from 1986-1996, a run which included a fun stretch in the early 90s.
I’m extremely jealous of everyone who will be in attendance for the opener. I’ll be watching from home and rooting alongside yinz.
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