Play Ball: Pirates-Red Sox Opener Just A Week Away

Batter up! After a long winter, the definitive sign that spring has arrived is about to occur: Major League Baseball’s Opening Day.

Although three games are on tap for Sunday, the Pirates open the season a week from Monday on the road against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. The Red Sox won the American League East last year, while the Pirates suffered their first losing season since 2012 and finished in third place in the National League Central with a 78-83 record.

The Pirates will play three games against the Red Sox before the home opener at PNC Park on April 7 at 1:05 p.m. against the Atlanta Braves. Tickets for the game, which start at $45, still are available.

Perhaps the biggest change fans will notice at the ballpark is the extension of the protective netting from behind home plate to the ends of both dugouts. The netting previously stopped at the beginning of each dugout.

There will be eight fireworks nights this year: April 21, May 5, May 19, June 9, June 30, Aug. 18, Sept. 1 and Sept. 22. Pup nights will occur on April 11 and 25; May 16; June 13, 27; July 18; Aug. 1, 8, 22; Sept. 5, 19 and 26. Other promotions include:

• April 7: Magnetic schedule.

• April 8: Francisco Cervelli singing bobblehead.

• April 23: Kids water bottle.

• May 7: Kids jump rope.

• May 20: Bob Walk bobblehead.

• May 21: Kids baseball glove.

• May 26: Postgame concert featuring Flo Rida.

• May 28: Kids beach towel.

• June 11: Kids plastic bat.

• June 17: Jordy Mercer bobblehead.

• June 18: Military replica cap.

• July 2: Kids replica Starling Marte alternate jersey.

• July 16: Kids W.B. Mason collectible truck.

• July 20: Kids velcro paddle ball catch set.
• Aug. 4: Postgame concert featuring Chicago.

• Aug. 6: Kids backpack.

• Aug. 19: Gregory Polanco bobblehead.

• Aug. 24: Tote bag.

• Sept. 3: Kids fitness band.

• Sept. 24: Kids warm-up shirt.

Photo by Daveynin via Creative Commons.