Pittsburgh Pirates at Milwaukee Brewers

Konnor Griffin just received the best birthday present of his life. But sadly, it wasn’t a bounce house. The no-longer-a-teenager cranked his first Major League home run to the opposite field in the third inning -- right into the Pirates’ bullpen to a mass of cheering relievers -- on what was just the icing on the cake to Griffin’s 20th birthday. The homer symbolized a lot for Griffin, who was drafted No. 9 in the 2024 Draft, then played a full season in the Minors last year and five games this season before his electric MLB debut. Things have started slow since an RBI double in his debut put the league on notice of Griffin’s arrival. But after setting career bests in hits (three) and RBIs (three) in the Pirates’ 6-0 win over the Brewers at American Family Field, Griffin is starting to figure it out. That’s just part of growing up. “He couldn’t do it when he was a teenager, I guess, and wanted to wait until he turned 20. It’s good to see. First of many,” said Paul Skenes, who took a perfect game into the seventh inning. “Glad he got it out of the way. The league better be on notice, because he’s coming.”