For the first time since 2008, the New York Yankees traveled to the Steel City to play the Pittsburgh Pirates. The setting, picturesque. Memories of Murderers’ Row and Bill Mazeroski abound. Also, for the first time this season, the pitcher had to bat because of “strategy?” Right. As we would see, those rules would hurt the Yankees in the series finale.
OVER BEFORE IT STARTED
A 6-3 loss in Game 1 had an inauspicious start. Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer smacked a leadoff home run to center off CC Sabathia, staking Pittsburgh to a 1-0 advantage.