Andrew McCutchen passes Roberto Clemente with his 241st HR as the Pirates beat the Marlins 5-2 on June 11, 2025. See how Cutch's historic blast fuels their surge.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some moments are bigger than just one game. On the eve of a pivotal road trip to Chicago, Pirates legend Andrew McCutchen etched his name even deeper into franchise lore, surpassing the great Roberto Clemente for third on the team's all-time home run list. His historic 241st blast was the defining moment of a successful homestand that has the Bucs feeling confident as they take on their rivals.
Andrew McCutchen now trails only Willie Stargell (475) and Ralph Kiner (301) for the most home runs in Pirates history.
It was more than just a home run; it was a statement. Cutch's three-run shot in the fifth inning against the Marlins on Wednesday was the decisive blow in a 5-2 victory, but the number '241' is what will be remembered. To pass a revered figure like Roberto Clemente is a monumental achievement, cementing McCutchen's place on the Mount Rushmore of Pirates baseball. For a player who has given so much to the city and the organization, it was a poetic and powerful milestone celebrated by everyone in black and gold.
While Cutch provided the historic offense, the team's recent 6-3 surge has been built on dominant pitching. Lefty Bailey Falter continued his incredible run in that same game, earning his fifth win by allowing just one run. Since the start of May, Falter has been nearly untouchable, posting a 4-0 record with a sparkling 1.61 ERA over eight starts. And when the game is on the line, David Bednar has been pure perfection. 'The Renegade' secured his ninth save in as many opportunities, striking out two in a flawless ninth. After a rocky 2024, Bednar's return to dominance has solidified a bullpen that is shutting the door with authority.
Riding the high of their successful homestand, the Pirates opened a critical four-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field on Thursday evening. Southpaw Andrew Heaney (3-4, 3.24 ERA) took the mound for the Bucs, looking to set the tone against a key division rival. While results from the 5:05 PM start were not available at press time, the series represents a major opportunity for the Pirates to make up ground in the NL Central and prove their recent hot streak is here to stay.
The excitement isn't just contained to the major league club. Down on the farm, the organization's focus on versatile athletes is paying dividends. Top prospect Griffin is turning heads with his ability to seamlessly split time between shortstop and the outfield, showcasing elite athleticism and a promising bat. This emphasis on developing well-rounded players is creating a steady pipeline of talent, ensuring the future in Pittsburgh remains bright.
With a franchise icon cementing his legacy, the pitching staff firing on all cylinders, and a crucial divisional series underway, there's a palpable buzz around this Pirates team. The coming days at Wrigley will be a true test of this momentum, but for now, the Buccos are riding high, giving fans plenty to cheer about in the present and dream about for the future.
