WATCH: Pirates' Andrew McCutchen Gets Heartwarming Return to Pittsburgh
Some things are just bigger than the game.
That was the case on Friday afternoon at PNC Park in Pittsburgh.
Yes, the Pirates beat the White Sox by a score of 13-9 to move to a surprising 5-2 on the year, but because it was the home opener, the Pirates fans got a chance to welcome back longtime star Andrew McCutchen.
Before his first at-bat of the home season, McCutchen was given an ovation that lasted approximately one minute. He tipped his cap to the Pirates fans before stepping into the box. Clearly, pitch clock rules were suspended so the moment could take place.
McCutchen spent the first nine years of his career with Pittsburgh (2009-2017) before being traded to the San Francisco Giants. He also spent time with the Yankees, Phillies and Brewers before re-signing with Pittsburgh this offseason.
The 36-year-old is one of the most decorated players in Pirates history. He finished fourth in National League Rookie of the Year voting in 2009, earned all-star nods in 2011-2015, won a gold glove in 2012, took home four silver slugger awards and captured the NL MVP in 2013.
In that MVP season, he hit .317 with a .404 on-base percentage. He also had 21 homers and drove in 84 runs -- and added 27 stolen bases. He led the Pirates to their last playoff appearances (2013-2015).
For this season, he's off to a fine start, hitting .300 in an RBI and a stolen base thus far.
The two teams meet again on Saturday at 6:35 p.m. ET.
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