Pirates Fans Staying Optimistic Despite Game 1 Loss
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's been a rough day for Pirates fans, both here and those in St. Louis, but many remain optimistic despite the Game 1 rout at the hands of the Cardinals.
With hundreds of Pirates' fans nestled on Federal Street outside of PNC Park this afternoon, spirits seemed high at first pitch.
"We waited a long time for this," said one fan. "It's great."
But that initial excitement slowly turned as the Cardinals got on the board.
"I think everyone's being a little cautious, but optimistic deep down," a fan said.
KDKA's Christine D'Anotonio Reports:
But as the Cardinals continued to gain ground, Pirate fans like Mary Jo McNamera of Whitehall buried her head in her hands afraid to see what would come next.
"Right now, I'm in a lot of agony," said McNamera. "Burnett isn't delivering. Tuesday night we were here, and it was pure electrical magic."
Magic that appears to have come from the ones who've been rooting for the Bucs all season long.
PHOTO GALLERY: Click here for more photos from the game
"The fans definitely play a big part in how the Pirates play," said fan Adam Miller of Munhall. "I was just hoping this could've been a home game for them. Burnett would've thrived off the emotion."
Maybe the Pirates will feel that emotion Friday during Game 2 in St. Louis. Fans in Pittsburgh can gather at PNC Park where the postseason watch party will go on at 1 p.m.
Meanwhile, in St. Louis...
Of course the stands at Busch Stadium were a sea of red Thursday evening, but we also found contingents of black and gold.
Pete Slavonic is from Mount Lebanon and he's not discouraged by the loss.
"No, not at all," said Slavonic. "At least if we take one game here in St. Louis and we take it back to Pittsburgh, I know we're going to win in Pittsburgh."
Bennett Keefer went to school in Grove City, but lives in St. Louis now and he backs the Bucs.
"We're going to get home and PNC's just going to be outrageous," said Keefer.
KDKA's David Highfield Reports:
Ashley Anger is originally from Monroeville, but lives in Texas now. And yes, she knows she had a Steelers jersey on during the game.
"We drove here this morning. I brought my 5-month-old and he made a mess on my Pirates one and I had this one on hand," she said. "So, I figured it best to be in black and gold."
John Zahm lives in western Illinois, but brought his boys to St. Louis to share his love for the Bucs. They have a dog back home named Neil Walker.
And while some fans were wondering what was up with Thursday's game, Zahm isn't worried.
"All we want to do is come out with a split and the better matchup for us is [Friday]," he said.
RELATED LINKS:
7-Run Third Inning Sinks Pirates In Game 1 Of NLDS Against Cardinals (10/3/13)
More Pirates News
