The top of the first went crazy.
The Pittsburgh Pirates played one of the best top of the first innings in MLB history on Friday night in Colorado.
Coors Field was the site of MLB history not achieved since 1893, in what was a 30-12 Cincinnati Reds win over the Louisville Colonels.
So yeah, it's been a while.
What did the Pirates do, exactly?
According to OptaStats, they did these four things in the same first inning for the first time in 132 years:
- 9-plus runs
- 10-plus hits
- A grand slam
- A three-run home run
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Oneil Cruz delivered the grand slam, a 114.7 MPH missile.
Andrew McCutchen's three-run homer made it 9-0 before the Rockies had even come to bat.
It definitely was a game with serious Coors Field vibes. The thin air there leads to a lot of crazy numbers.
It had to be cathartic for the Pirates regardless. After trade deadline chatter suggested there'd be a lot of movement, it was mainly only David Bednar who actually got sent out.
Most notably, Mitch Keller stayed put. That didn't seem to be an expectation at all.
Cruz was also in trade rumors but seemed less likely to be dealt and wasn't.
MORE: Oneil Cruz makes one of the best throws in MLB history
Regardless, the Pirates are surely riding high after one of the best starts to a baseball game ever.
It may not be enough to stage the most miraculous season turnaround ever. But what the Pirates need is belief about the future.
This piece of history, while yes being quite specific, is also evidence that it's not all bad in Pittsburgh. A turnaround can happen. The Pirates, on the right night, can play incredible baseball.
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Category: Baseball
