PITTSBURGH — Former red-bearded Pirate Colin Moran made a habit of homering in home openers, doing so in three straight seasons from 2018-2020. Perhaps the current red-bearded Pirate, outfielder Ben Gamel, can claim the next day as his.
After the Chicago Cubs took a one-run lead in the first inning at PNC Park, the Pirates wasted no time taking back the lead. Third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes ripped a two-out single to the right side of the infield, bouncing off the first baseman’s glove. Yoshi Tsutsugo then drew a walk to bring Gamel to the plate.
The second-year Pirate got a ball at the bottom of the zone, stayed on top of it and lifted it high into the air, over the wall in right for a three-run homer.