Pirates’ Home Opener Spoiled by O’s | News, Sports, Jobs

The Baltimore Orioles spoiled the Pittsburgh Pirates’ home opener with a 5-2 victory on Friday, despite playing through occasional snow flurries at PNC Park. Ryan O’Hearn, Gunnar Henderson, and Cedric Mullins all homered for the Orioles, while Grayson Rodriguez pitched 6 strong innings, giving up solo homers to Oneil Cruz and Jared Triolo.

Rodriguez, just 22 years old, showcased his developing skills on the mound, striking out seven batters and walking two. On the other side, fellow 22-year-old Jared Jones pitched well for the Pirates, allowing two runs on six hits with seven strikeouts in six innings.

The game was played in chilly conditions, with snow, sleet, and rain falling intermittently throughout. Despite the weather, the players made the most of the situation, with Rodriguez from Texas enjoying the snow experience and Jones from California finding the cold weather more interesting than challenging.

Baltimore improved to 5-2 with the win, while Pittsburgh dropped to 5-2 after starting the season with five straight wins. Craig Kimbrel, in his first season with the Orioles, closed out the game with a perfect ninth inning for his 418th career save.

The top hitters for the Orioles, including Henderson, Rutschman, and Santander, each had two hits in the game. Former Pirates manager Jim Leyland threw the ceremonial first pitch, as he prepares for his upcoming induction into the Hall of Fame in July.

In terms of health, Orioles LF Austin Hays did not start due to illness but pinch-hit in the seventh inning. The series between the Orioles and Pirates continues on Saturday with RHP Tyler Wells facing off against LHP Bailey Falter. Wells will look to replicate his success from last May when he pitched seven scoreless innings against the Pirates.