Get ready with me as I prepare for tonight’s Pittsburgh adventure.
There were things that made tonight special: Primanti’s for dinner, riding the subway from Gateway Center down to the North Shore, and of course the game itself. But before we talk about tonight’s Pirate game, just how did I get to this game? Also, what did I do to come to my decision on what game to attend and who to bring with me?
It’s June 25, and we’re having a picnic. On top of that, we’re also celebrating my birthday. My aunt attended an auction for a summer camp that Benny attends and bid on a voucher. This voucher was good for two seats at a Pittsburgh Pirates game. There were conditions on when you could attend. I knew who I was going to take to the game.
A few days later, Mr. Clougherty (Kevin) and I met for dinner at Burgatory in Murrysville, as well as to celebrate my birthday. During our time together, we discussed what game we wanted to attend.
For me, I wanted to make sure it didn’t fall on a Toastmasters meeting night or on Wednesday night since I would have to request off work. That night is tag night at Giant Eagle when we change store tags and post the new specials that start Thursday.
For Kevin, we wanted to be aware that the game we attended would have to be before the middle of August. By that time, teachers are reporting back to school. Hempfield Area’s first day back is August 24. His schedule would soon be busy with preparing his classroom, teaching, and coaching.
After careful consideration, we decided on Monday, August 7. That night the Pirates would take on the Atlanta Braves at 7:05pm. It was the first game of the series, and the Braves had the best record in baseball. So it was sure to be a good game.
Checking out the forecast a week in advance, the outlook for Monday night called for scattered showers and thunderstorms. As the day of the event drew closer, there was a risk of severe weather in the area, including a threat of damaging winds, hail, and even a tornado.
Not to be deterred by bad weather, we made our way to the ballpark and our first stop was Primanti Brothers in Market Square. This location has a mural of great Pittsburgh sports icons and some outdoor seating. It’s a busy location as well as we waited to be seated. But we had excellent service and our food arrived quick. Not the quiet sit down place we’re used to but we still made it work. I won’t use that against them either. In tonight’s review of Primanti’s, I give them an A+.
With the Roberto Clemente Bridge closed through December 2023, Mr. Clougherty and I had to resort to taking the subway 🚇. I’m no stranger to public transportation, having relied on it throughout college. Plus, I’ve rode “The T” many times before, going to Station Square and South Hills Village. We were on for only one stop before getting off at the North Shore, close to our destination, PNC Park.
We got there in good time, arriving there well before 7pm. We had no problem getting our tickets scanned or finding our seats. The usher was very helpful. The Pirates had a six run third inning before Atlanta put up four in the fourth. Both teams played another inning before the rains came and the game was delayed, to be resumed at 10:00pm. We caught one more inning of play before we made the call to leave with the Pirates leading 7-5.
Even though we skipped the rest of the game to head home, the Pirates held on to win, 7-6. On the way home I even got to finish my Duolingo lessons, impressing Mr. Clougherty with my foreign language skills. We’ll meet again for dinner in a few weeks just as school starts on August 24. We will be at EDO Hibachi Steak House and Bar.
When you boil it all down, it turned out to be a well-played night.
Stylish 🍒 