Pirates' Opening Day Loss Draws Record Viewers

On March 31st, the Pittsburgh pirates kicked off their season with an 11-7 loss to the

New York Mets on March 26th at City Field.

But that game turned into the most washed opening day after new matchup ever, pulling

in 2.3 million viewers on average.

It marked NBC's return to MLB broadcast for the first time since 2000 thanks to their

fresh media rights deal from this offseason, and they'll handle Sunday night baseball

all year, plus the prime time slot on Labor Day, and more in 2026.

Pirates fans saw some rough moments early.

Like center-fielder O'Neill Cruz misplaying a fly ball into a base's clearing triple

and losing another in the sun for a double all-while starter.

Paul Schien's burn through 37 pitches in the first inning alone, giving up five earned

runs before.

Exiting.

The bullpen couldn't stop the bleeding either, with relievers like Mason Montgomery, Isaac

Matson and Justin Lawrence each surrendering to earned.

Runs, turning a tough start into a long afternoon.

On a brighter note, new second baseman, Brandon Lowe smashed two home runs in his pirate's

debut, making franchise history as just the second guy to do.

That on opening day driving in three runs, while free agent Ryan O'Hern added his first

homer with the team after signing that two-year 29.

Million dollar deal, giving Buckel fans some real fireworks to build on.

That wraps MLB news today, brought to you with AI.