PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pirates gave up three homers and left 10 on base as the Cubs take the first game at PNC Park with fans since September 29, 2019. Final, 4-2 Chicago.
Second batter of the game, Kris Bryant homered off lefty Tyler Anderson for a 1-zip lead that held until a sacrifice fly by Dustin Fowler and two-out single from Adam Frazier gave the Pirates a rare lead this season.
It lasted until the sixth when Javier Baez hit a two-run homer and in the eighth Anthony Rizzo homered on the first pitch from left-handed reliever Sam Howard to put the Cubs up 4-2.
After a couple of 1-2-3 innings, the Bucs loaded the bases. Better said Dan Winkler walked the bases full. Fowler struck out as did pinch-hitter Wilmer Difo against Chicago closer Craig Kimbrel.
Pirates went down in order against Kimbrel with Bryan Reynolds striking out to end it.
"I think we could be more on time. I think we are getting caught in-between. When you get caught in-between you are taking as aggressive as swings as you want. I think that's been a little bit of an issue."
Anderson outing
Lefty Tyler Anderson, 0-2, gave up a couple of home runs around 8 other hits and 5 strikeouts over 5.1 innings.
"I thought he was effective," Shelton said. "He went back and forth, he gave up the homer to Bryant in the first. The homer that he gave up to Javy damn near bounced and he kept it fair. It was a change-up that if executed or stayed where it's at we get a swing and miss or a ground out."
Polanco step forward
Only one hit to start the season, Gregory Polanco nearly hit two home runs. One bounced off the wall in left for a double and the other caught at the wall in center.
"Good swings today," Shelton said. "Overall encouraging sign for Gregory. He's been working hard. He had the two hits. He hit the ball to center that just missed going out. Very encouraging at bats."
Patience with Ke'Bryan
One of the loudest ovations before the game, the introduction of Ke'Bryan Hayes along with third base line. While in uniform, Hayes is on the 10-day injured list and eligible to come off in the middle of next week.
Pirates Director of Sports Medicine Todd Tomczyk said he may not be ready by then and even though a key piece of his team, Shelton is willing to wait.
"We want him to be back and be healthy," Shelton said. "That is very important for us. Taking the necessary time that we need on that is extremely important for us. He's important part of our club."
"With a hand injury, you just don't know. You don't know incrementally how it's going to get better each day. The one thing, Ke' has been awesome, extremely transparent about it. We initially on the front side of it thought he would be able to go a few days."
Shelton message to fans
"I think our fans realize that we are building something there and that it will be a journey," Shelton said. "I really appreciate their support. Not only today, but throughout. I can't tell you personally I appreciate how our fans have been. At times it could be fun, in the end it will be fun."
Up Next
After an off day on Friday, the Bucs return Saturday at 6:35 with Zach Davies against Mitch Keller.
