Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call – The Happiest Homecoming

In our daily Wake-Up Call, we get you ready for the day with a complete look at all things Pittsburgh Pirates.

Storybook

Yesterday the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the San Diego Padres 5-4 via a walk-off extra inning home run. Normally, that’s enough to ignite a crowd but yesterday was different. Sean Rodriguez in his first game back as a member of the Pirates delivered the blast.

It was one of those moments of pure joy. The Pittsburgh Pirates since the final out of the 2015 NL Wildcard Game have mostly made people cynical and angry. However, for at least one day, I think we were all reminded of the simple joys surrounding the game of baseball. It can give you some genuinely perfect emotional catharsis. Sean Rodriguez didn’t just hit a game-winning home run in his first game back as a Pirate. It was a moment of joy for a player that had been through hell and back in the previous offseason. Rodriguez signs a deal with the Braves to play every day, he gets into a serious car accident. There are doubts whether he’ll play this year or even at all. He battles back from the injury to return earlier than anyone expected and after a mere 15 games as a member of the Braves, he is traded back to the Pirates.

Sports aren’t life. There are far more important things to worry about and get angry over but they are a great reminder that persistence can pay off in a big, big way. If you had told someone the story of Sean Rodriguez over the past 48 hours, no one would believe you. It’s far too sappy but sometimes real life can use a little bit of sappiness.

Sponsored By

A Human Moment

When the Pirates traded Mark Melancon to the Washington Nationals for Felipe Rivero, they thought they were obtaining a pitcher, but for the most part, they obtained a super man. During his time as a Pirate, Rivero has been absolutely incredible. He has a 1.93ERA so far during his Pirates career and he’s been somehow even better this year. For the most part, Rivero has been invisible, especially since being named the Pirates’ closer.

However, yesterday, we finally saw a moment of humanity for the dominant southpaw. Rivero blew his first save as a closer and allowed multiple runs for only the second time this season. I doubt anyone is really angry at Rivero since he’s been so ridiculously dominant. Every closer has a hiccup every now and again and if anyone’s earned the benefit of the doubt, it’s Felipe Rivero. Heck, the fact he allowed some runs is almost a story in itself. That’s how absurdly good he has been in his time with the Pirates. You expect him to get the job done nearly 100 percent of the time. He didn’t yesterday but that’s because he wanted Sean Rodriguez to play the role of hero in extra-innings. Rivero is a great teammate too! Of course, Rivero would have preferred to shut the door and end the game in the ninth inning but everything happens for a reason. Rivero blew a save to give us one of the best moments of the 2017 season…so far.

Baseball Talk on the Web

10 Years After No. 756, Can Any MLB Slugger Take Down Bonds’ Tainted HR Record?

Darren Daulton, former Phillies All-Star catcher, dies at 55

Handful of MLB pitchers using protective cap insert

Subscribe To Pirates Breakdown Radio

Our podcast feed has been reborn as Pirates Breakdown Radio. On one singular feed, you will find a variety of shows, interviews, quick hits and much more. All designed to keep Pittsburgh Pirates fans informed and entertained no matter where they are.

We are on all the major podcast platforms, including iTunes and Google Play. So whether or not you have an Android or an iPhone/iPad, click on the corresponding button below to get subscribed!

Download Our Mobile Apps

The introduction of our new FREE Mobile Apps gets fans closer to their favorite Pittsburgh Pirates coverage than ever before. Click here to learn about some of the features of our new app – or, if you just can’t wait, click the corresponding app store for your device and grab your copy now.

Thanks for checking us out here at Pirates Breakdown. Please make sure to follow us on Twitter and Instagram and like us on Facebook for the best Pirates coverage all year long!