The Pittsburgh Pirates triumphed over the Baltimore Orioles 5-4 on April 3, 2026, at PNC Park, marking a significant moment in the early MLB season. The game, which started at 4:12 p.m. ET, showcased the debut of Konnor Griffin, who made an immediate impact with an RBI double in his first at-bat.
Mitch Keller, the starting pitcher for the Pirates, secured his first win of the season, improving his record to 1-0. He allowed two runs and six hits, complemented by four walks and four strikeouts. In contrast, Orioles pitcher Kyle Bradish suffered his second loss of the season, dropping to 0-2.
Both teams now hold a season record of 3-3, with the Orioles positioned third in the AL East and the Pirates fifth in the NL Central. This matchup was part of a broader narrative in which both teams are looking to establish themselves early in the season.
Griffin’s debut was particularly noteworthy as he became 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 applause when Griffin was introduced during the pregame ceremony, underscoring the excitement surrounding his arrival.
Ryan O’Hearn continues to impress for the Orioles, boasting a batting average of .421 with two home runs this season. Meanwhile, the Pirates have the largest team payroll in franchise history at $100 million, which adds pressure to perform consistently.
The game also featured contributions from other players, including Dylan Beavers, who is batting .286 with one home run this season. The Orioles will look to bounce back in the series as they prepare for the next game.
The series continues on April 4, 2026, with Shane Baz taking the mound for the Orioles against Carmen Mlodzinski for the Pirates. This matchup promises to be another exciting chapter in the ongoing rivalry.
As the season progresses, both teams will aim to solidify their standings and build momentum. The early performances, particularly from young talents like Griffin, could prove pivotal in their respective campaigns.
