PITTSBURGH — Andrew McCutchen did not know how he would feel when he finally stepped into the batter’s box at PNC Park. As it turned out, the Pirates fans didn’t even allow him to get that far.
A 90-second standing ovation for McCutchen’s first at-bat back started as Gregor Blanco’s leadoff fly ball to center was landing in Starling Marte’s glove. McCutchen let it all in, calling the moment “intense.”
“It’s something to remember, for sure,” he said. “I did my best to soak it all in. (Catcher Francisco) Cervelli did a good job of just giving me that moment.