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San Diego. Andrew McCutchen, one of the most emblematic figures in the recent history of the Pittsburgh Pirates, achieved a feat of enormous symbolism this Sunday: he tied the legendary Roberto Clemente for third place on the club's all-time home run list, with 240 home runs wearing the black and gold uniform.
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The hit came in the third inning of the game against the San Diego Padres, when McCutchen punished a curveball from right-hander Randy Vásquez to deposit it beyond the left-center field fence. Although Pittsburgh fell 6-4 in the series decider at Petco Park, the 38-year-old veteran's home run left an indelible mark in the team's books.
“Being in the same conversation as Roberto Clemente is something very special. He is a legend, not only for the Pirates, but for the entire baseball,” McCutchen commented after the game.McCutchen, who began his career with Pittsburgh in 2009, was the face of the franchise during the club's resurgence that reached the postseason for three consecutive years between 2013 and 2015. After returning as a free agent in 2023, he has renewed his contract every winter, becoming a constant presence both on the field and in the clubhouse.
Although he now acts primarily as a designated hitter, his impact transcends the playing field: he is a mentor, a reference point, and a symbol of leadership.With his home run on Sunday, McCutchen also has 324 home runs in his Major League career and is in the Pirates' historical Top 10 in multiple categories:
- Walks: 5th (845)
- Doubles: 7th (338)
- Runs Batted In: 7th (836)
- Games Played: 9th (1,630)
- Hits: 9th (1,713)
- Runs Scored: 10th (953)
The hit against San Diego drove the Dominican Oneil Cruz from second base and put the Pirates momentarily ahead 2-1 on the scoreboard.
Ahead on the franchise's home run list, only two more legends remain: Willie Stargell, with 475, and Ralph Kiner, with 301.
As this second stage with the Pirates unfolds, Andrew McCutchen continues to add chapters to a career that is already worthy of the Hall of Fame in Pittsburgh.
