Feb 25, 2026; North Port, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (5) prepares to take batting practice before the start of the game against the Atlanta Braves during spring training at CoolToday Park. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Pirates New Star Hits First Home Run of Season

Originally posted on Pittsburgh Pirates on SI
By Dominic Campbell | Last updated Mar 26, 2026 1:34 PM ET

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates made a big trade to add second baseman Brandon Lowe this offseason and they're already seeing results from him on Opening Day.

Lowe hit a two-run home run in the top of the first inning for the Pirates, putting them up 2-0 over the New York Mets at Citi Field, a surprising lead for a team that's lineup struggled throughout 2025.

He took advantage of a first-pitch curveball thrown by 2025 All-Star and Mets right-handed starting pitcher Brandon Lowe, which he threw 79.9 mph over the middle of the plate.

He didn't crush this home run, but did just enough at 103.5 mph off the bat and 337 feet that just went over the right field wall.

FIRST HOMER OF THE SEASON GOES TO BRANDON LOWE! pic.twitter.com/JoA4yn1Bss
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) March 26, 2026

Lowe also brought home center fielder Oneil Cruz, who hit a bloop single to lead off the game, giving 2025 National League Cy Young Award winner and Pirates right-handed starting pitcher Paul Skenes some early run support.

The Pirates added Lowe as a power-hitting left-handed bat, as he led all second baseman with 31 home runs in 2025 and has the first of what should be many for his new team in 2026.

This article first appeared on Pittsburgh Pirates on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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