Pirates hope fans can replicate last year’s atmosphere
PITTSBURGH — There is seemingly no way the emotion of last year’s National League wild card game at PNC Park can be replicated in this year’s game.
The Pirates beat the Cincinnati Reds last Oct. 1 before a raucous crowd that could celebrate the end of 20 consecutive losing seasons and the franchise’s first playoff berth since 1992.
“It was 40,000 people letting out 20 years of frustration,” said Pirates second baseman Neil Walker, a Pittsburgh native. “It was an awesome experience, something anybody who was there will never forget.”
The Pirates hope that emotion can be recaptured tonight when they host the San Francisco Giants at 8:07. Edinson Volquez (13-7, 3.04) will start for Pittsburgh against left-hander Madison Bumgarner (18-9, 2.98).
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle believes the fans are poised for an encore performance.
“I know people are fired up in my neighborhood,” Hurdle said with a smile Tuesday before the Pirates held a workout. “The kids on the school bus are fired up. They’ve all been wearing their Pirates’ gear the last two days and talking about Buctober.”
Volquez takes the mound tonight barely more than 13 months after being released by the San Diego Padres. However, he resurrected his career this season after being signed to a one-year, $5-million contract as a free agent last December.
“It was sad, almost like my career was over,” Volquez said of being released. “I’m a happy person, though. I never try to be mad. I knew I had to prove myself again.”
There is no question the 25-year-old Bumgarner can pitch in the big leagues, though the Giants’ ace lost to the Pirates on July 28 when he was tagged for five runs in four innings at San Francisco.
“I didn’t make pitches that day,” Bumgarner said. “I’ve got to make better pitches this time.”