Pirates home opener: Bucs face Chicago White Sox at PNC Park
Pirates begin 3-game series with the White Sox
Pirates begin 3-game series with the White Sox
Pirates begin 3-game series with the White Sox
Baseball is back in Pittsburgh, as the Pirates (4-2) face the Chicago White Sox (3-4) in the home opener at PNC Park on Friday.
First pitch is set for 4:12 p.m., with Rich Hill (0-1) starting for the Bucs against Lucas Giolito (0-0) for the Sox.
It's the beginning of a three-game weekend series on the North Shore as Andrew McCutchen returns to PNC Park and joins a roster full of young players looking to take a step forward in the team's rebuilding process.
How does the weather look? See the home opener forecast above.
McCutchen has been suggesting a "blackout" at the opener, and fans are excited about the idea. The Pirates tweeted out a GIF of a sign reading, "When Cutch says to wear black, you wear black."
Two of McCutchen's former teammates will be back at the ballpark, too, with A.J. Burnett throwing out the ceremonial first pitch to Russell Martin.
INJURIES
Oneil Cruz: day-to-day (face), Austin Hedges: 7-day injured list (concussion), JT Brubaker: 60-day IL (elbow), Robert Stephenson: 15-day IL (elbow), Jarlin Garcia: 60-day IL (arm), Max Kranick: 60-Day IL (elbow)
WHAT'S NEW AT THE PARK?
When walking through the gates, you'll notice new sensors scanning fans. The Pirates have partnered with Evolv, which will also soon screen fans at Acrisure Stadium. The sensors are touted as being able to improve the speed at which fans can enter the ballpark and allow PNC Park to return to its bag policy from years past.
Once again, fans will be able to bring in bags smaller than 16 by 16 by 8 inches.
In the main concourse, there will be expanded self-serve beer and drink kiosks placed in locations that won't disrupt foot traffic.
NEW SCOREBOARD
The scoreboard in left field has been replaced for the first time since 2006.
Pirates President Travis Williams said a larger screen, in addition to other new video elements around the stadium, will allow fans to follow game action better.
CHOWING DOWN
New food options include an All-Star burger made of beef from Jubilee Hilltop Ranch in Osterburg, Bedford County, and topped with a signature sauce, caramelized onions and fries.
PNC Park is also adding Caliente Pizza. The menu will feature Sicilian, pepperoni and cheese slices.
Fried cheese curds with pickle slices will make their debut as well. (Thumbs up from Pittsburgh's Action News 4 reporter Tori Yorgey.)
The Associated Press contributed to this article.