The Pittsburgh Pirates faced off against the New York Yankees on Friday, April 4, 2025, in their highly anticipated home opener at PNC Park. Coming off a tough seven-game swing through Florida, the Pirates entered the game with a disappointing 2-5 record, while the Yankees, with a solid start, boasted a 4-2 mark.
As the game kicked off at 4:12 PM ET, the atmosphere was charged with excitement, but it quickly turned sour for the home crowd. Pirates manager Derek Shelton was met with loud boos from the fans as his name was announced, a clear indication of their frustration with the team's recent performances. The boos echoed throughout the stadium, reflecting the disappointment stemming from the Pirates' five losses leading into the series against the Yankees.
Last season, Shelton struggled to guide the Pirates to success, finishing with a losing record of 76-86 and missing the postseason. The team ended up in last place in the NL Central, trailing behind the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs. This season, the Pirates have allowed an average of 5.16 runs per game in their first six contests, a troubling statistic considering the expectations surrounding their pitching rotation.
Colin Holderman, another player feeling the heat, also faced the wrath of the fans during the opener. Fans rarely direct their frustrations at individual players, but Holderman’s performance has not gone unnoticed. Additionally, a banner urging the Pirates’ owner to sell the team flew over PNC Park before the game, further showcasing the discontent among the fanbase.
On the field, the Yankees were eager to capitalize on the Pirates' struggles. Aaron Judge, coming off his second AL MVP award, was in prime form, slashing .417 with five home runs and 15 RBIs in the early season. Judge marked his 1,000th game by hitting his sixth homer of the season, a significant milestone that tied him with Babe Ruth for the most home runs (321) hit in a player's first 1,000 games with the Yankees.
The Yankees' starting pitcher, Max Fried, was also looking to make a statement. He pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on six hits while striking out six batters, earning his first win in pinstripes. Fried's performance provided the necessary support to secure a 9-4 victory over the Pirates.
Despite the loss, the Pirates found some bright spots in their lineup. Ke’Bryan Hayes and Bryan Reynolds both hit their first home runs of the season, giving the home crowd moments to cheer for, albeit briefly. However, the Yankees quickly responded, scoring three runs in the fourth inning, all with two outs, extending their lead to 8-1 and effectively sealing the game.
As the game progressed, the frustrations of the Pirates' fans were palpable, with chants of "Sell the Team" ringing out during critical moments, particularly when shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa and outfielder Alexander Canario made errors in the field. Such moments only added to the growing tension between the fans and the team's management.
With the loss, the Pirates fell to 2-6, while the Yankees improved to 5-2. The Yankees' record since 2020 when Judge hits a home run stands at an impressive 139-38, underscoring the impact of their star player on the team's success.
Looking ahead, the Pirates will turn to left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter for their next game on Saturday, April 5, 2025, while the Yankees will counter with right-hander Marcus Stroman. As the series continues, both teams will be looking to solidify their early-season standings in the competitive MLB landscape.
In conclusion, the Pirates' home opener served as a stark reminder of the challenges they face this season. With fans expressing their discontent and critical performances on the field, the pressure is mounting on Shelton and his squad to turn things around quickly. Can the Pirates recover after a shaky start? Only time will tell as they navigate the remainder of the 2025 season.
