Rain floods warning track at PNC Park, further delaying Pirates-Padres game
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The torrential rains in Pittsburgh on Tuesday that put the Pirates' game against the San Diego Padres at PNC Park on hold created a unique problem in the outfield that delayed the game even further.
The severe weather that rolled through Southwestern Pennsylvania brought heavy rains, which forced the game into a delay in the bottom of the second inning around 7 p.m. The game was expected to resume at 8:15 p.m., but a drainage issue at the warning track put the game on hold until 9:40 p.m.
Brian Warecki, the senior vice president of communications for the Pirates, said in a statement:
"Tonight's intense rain caused a flash flood effect on the warning track resulting in the drainage system to be overrun by dirt flowing off the warning track. PNC Park crews worked diligently to clear the drains and divert the water to the best of their abilities.
"During that process, there were active conversations with all involved to ensure the playing surface was safe to continue play. Once all parties agreed, the game was resumed."
The statement went on to say that the Pirates will issue two complimentary tickets for every account that scanned into the game.
"We appreciate the patience of our fans. We will be rewarding their patience ... Redemption details will be emailed directly to those accounts later this evening," Warecki said.
During the 2-hour, 40-minute delay, the Pirates' Andrew McCutchen posted to X about the delay.
"What's up guys. Idk what we're doing," he said.
Despite the lengthy delay, some fans stuck around to watch the teams play the first game of their three-game series.
