Hunter Barco Makes Pirates History in MLB Debut

PITTSBURGH — Left-handed pitcher Hunter Barco took the MLB mound for first time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, making franchise history in the process.

Barco joined the Pirates on Sept. 23, as they brought him up from Triple-A Indianapolis, ahead of the series opener vs. the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

He came in the bottom of the sixth inning for the Pirates, making his MLB debut, and had a 4-2 lead to start out with.

Barco got a hard liner against his first batter, Reds right fielder Noelvi Marte, but it went right at Pirates right fielder Alexander Canario for the first out.

He then gave up a single to pinch-hitter Miguel Andujar, before getting a grounder from first base Spencer Steer, with Andujar out at second base.

Barco did allow a single to shortstop Elly De La Cruz, putting runners on the corners, but got second baseman Matt McClain to hit into a ground out, keeping the Reds behind.

He finished his first MLB appearance with 15 pitches, relying on his sinker and splitter mostly, but also going to his slider.

Barco's performance proved crucial, as the bullpen kept the Reds scoreless and the Pirates took the 4-2 victory.

He also earned his first MLB win in the victory, as right-handed starting pitcher Johan Oviedo only went 4.2 innings, and the official scorer named Barco as the most effective relief pitcher.

Barco becomes the first left-handed pitcher in Pirates history to win his first game since Paul Maholm did so on Aug. 30, 2005. He is also the first Pirates pitcher earn a win in their MLB debut since teammate/right-handed pitcher Mike Burrows did so on Sept. 28, 2024 vs. the New York Yankees at Yankees stadium.

He is also the fourth left-handed relief pitcher in the modern era (since 1900) to earn a win in their debut. This includes Frank Carpin in 1965, Joe Gibbon in 1960 and Bill Werle in 1949.

Barco joined the Pirates after they took him in the second round with the 44th overall pick in the 2022 MLB Draft out of Florida.