On Friday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates played the Milwaukee Brewers in Wisconsin.
The Pirates won by a score of 6-0.
Rookie Konnor Griffin finished with three hits (and one home run) in four at-bats.
The Pirates wrote (via X): “.@KonnorGriffin22 ‘s first Major-League Home Run comes on his 20th birthday. How can you not be romantic about baseball?”
Paul Skenes Makes Bold Konnor Griffin Statement
GettyPaul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates reacts towards the Milwaukee Brewers dugout after striking out a batter in the third inning at American Family Field on April 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
In addition to Griffin’s huge night, Paul Skenes pitched 7.0 innings allowing just one hit (and no runs).
Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote: “Paul Skenes with 7 shutout innings. He had a perfect game through 6 2/3 innings. His career ERA: 2.01 He has now had an MLB-record 23 scoreless starts in his first 63 starts, per @CodifyBaseball”
After the game, Skenes made a bold statement about Griffin hitting his first home run.
Skenes (via DK Pittsburgh Sports): “It’s good to see. First of many. Glad he out it out of the way. The league better be on notice, because he’s coming.”
GettyKonnor Griffin #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates throws out a runner at first base against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
The Pirates (and their fans) have a lot to be excited about with Griffin and Skenes on their roster.
Jason Mackey of MLB.com wrote: “Konnor Griffin joins Barry Bonds (25th, 7/24/89 vs. LAD) as the only Pirates in the Modern Era (since 1901) with two hits, including a home run, and a stolen base on their birthday.”
Looking At The Pirates
GettyPaul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates before the pitch in the seventh inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field on April 24, 2026 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
The Pirates are off to a strong start to the 2026 season with a 15-11 record in 26 games.
They are 7-6 in the 13 games they have played on the road away from PNC Park.
Following their series with the Brewers, the Pirates will head home to host the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.
GettyKonnor Griffin #6 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on from the dugout against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on April 10, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.
The Pirates are coming off another tough year where they went 71-91.
They last made the MLB playoffs during the 2015 season.
That said, young stars like Skenes and Griffin have many thinking that the Pirates could make a run back to the playoffs as soon as this September.
The franchise last won the World Series during the 1979 season.
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