The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a narrow victory against the Baltimore Orioles, winning 5-4 on April 3, 2026, at PNC Park. The game commenced at 4:12 p.m. ET and marked a competitive start to the MLB season for both teams.
Konnor Griffin, making his MLB debut, showcased his talent by hitting an RBI double in his first at-bat. This performance made him the first Pirate under 20 to reach base twice in his debut since Bobby Del Greco in 1952. The sellout crowd at PNC Park erupted in cheers when Griffin was introduced during the pregame ceremony.
Mitch Keller, the starting pitcher for the Pirates, earned the win, improving his record to 1-0. He allowed two runs and six hits while striking out four batters. In contrast, Kyle Bradish, who started for the Orioles, suffered the loss, bringing his record to 0-2.
Both teams now hold a 3-3 record for the season, with the Orioles currently positioned third in the AL East and the Pirates fifth in the NL Central. Ryan O’Hearn has been a standout for the Orioles, boasting a batting average of .421 with two home runs this season.
The game also featured notable performances from other players, including Dylan Beavers, who has a batting average of .286 with one home run. The Pirates have set a franchise record with a team payroll of $100 million this season, reflecting their commitment to building a competitive roster.
The series will continue with another matchup scheduled for April 4, 2026, featuring Shane Baz for the Orioles and Carmen Mlodzinski for the Pirates. Fans are eager to see how both teams will adjust after this closely contested game.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the injury statuses of Jared Jones, Jackson Holliday, and Heston Kjerstad, who are currently on the injured list. As the season progresses, both teams will look to solidify their standings in their respective divisions.
