The Pirates young stars shined in their season opener. They traveled to Cincinnati to play the Reds to kick off the 2023 season. The Pirates have had a lot of roster changes since last years opening day. Players like Cruz, Bae, Suinski, and Castro experienced their first opening day in the big leagues. While some veterans like Santana, Choi and Hedges had their first opening day as Pirates. Let’s not forget one familiar face that the city of Pittsburgh loves, and that is Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen made last played for the Pirates in 2017 before he was traded to the San Fransisco Giants that off season. McCutchen had a great game, going 1 for 2 at the plate and drawing 3 walks, including one RBI. He wasnt the only productive Pirate in this game. Oniel Cruz hit a game tying home run off Hunter Greene in the second inning. He turned around a 3-2, 101 MPH pitch from Reds Pitcher Hunter Greene, sending it 425 into the right field stands. Cruz production doesn’t end there, he added 2 walks and the go ahead RBI on a sacrifice fly in the 8th inning.

The Pirates continue their series against the Reds on Saturday. The Pitchers are Rich Hill for the Pirates, and Nick Lodo for the Reds.