Pittsburgh Pirates: Bryan Reynolds and Connor Joe Lead Team to Home Opener Victory

Bryan Reynolds and the bottom of the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup powered them to a 13-9 victory over the Chicago White Sox in their home opener on Friday

In their home opener, the Pittsburgh Pirates emerged victorious with a resounding 13-9 win against the Chicago White Sox, and yes, the Pirates need to extend Bryan Reynolds. No matter what the cost may be.

A historic home opener for Reynolds, who now sits amongst Pirate greatness, recording five home runs in the Pirates' first seven games. Willie Stargell set that record way back in 1971. Reynolds was responsible for driving in six runs today, leading his team to victory.

Historic night for the bottom of the lineup

One player that stood out amongst the rest was Connor Joe. Joe went four for five, recording three doubles, two runs, one single, and one RBI. In addition to that, he finished with a batting average of .500, pushing his season total to .500.

Joe's performance was part of a historic day for the bottom of the Pirate lineup. Joe, Ji Hwan Bae, and Jason Delay all had three hits. This marked the first time since 1921 that the bottom three in the Pirate lineup all had at least three hits in the same game.

Joe's impact in this game was even more needed as both Pirates pitchers Rich Hill and Wil Crowe had some shaky moments on the mound. His batting was the difference needed to keep the Buccos in front, contributing to his team in a big way.

Games like these give Pirates fans hope that this year's team is different. We already know what Bryan Reynolds can do and how important Andrew McCutchen is to this city and this roster. Connor Joe might have made his case today for the doubters.

The Pirates need production from guys like Connor Joe and Ji-Hwan Bae to give their core guys some breathing room. Their performances will be the most significant difference offensively for this team this season.

If the Pirates can continue with consistency on offense and improve their pitching, they have all the talent needed to exceed anyone's expectations.

Next up

Saturday night the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago White Sox will play game two of their three-game series. Vince Velasquez (5.79 ERA, 8.16 FIP) is scheduled to start for teh Pirates, while the White Sox plan to send Mike Clevinger (0.00 ERA, 3.03 FIP) to the mound. First pitch from PNC Park is scheduled for 6:35 PM ET.