Andrew McCutchen etched his name deeper into Pittsburgh Pirates lore, blasting a three-run home run in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins to reach 241 career homers as a Pirate.
That clutch shot not only keyed a 5–2 victory at PNC Park, but also elevated him above Pittsburgh legend Roberto Clemente into sole possession of third place on the franchise’s all-time home run chart.
This milestone homer, McCutchen’s sixth of the season and 325th across his 17-year MLB career, stood out not only for its historical significance, but also for its impact on a key game.
His blast off Marlins starter Cal Quantrill broke a scoreless tie and sparked a four-run rally, propelling the Pirates to victory and cementing their hot streak.
The Shot That Sealed History
In the bottom of the fifth inning, with two men on base, McCutchen turned on a sinker from Quantrill and sent it deep into left-center field for the three-run homer–his trademark power stroke that has defined his career.
That swing put Pittsburgh ahead 4-0, providing the cushion needed for starter Bailey Falter to deliver a strong start and Pirates closer David Bednar to slam the door with a ninth-inning save.
PNC Park erupted as the ball cleared the wall, and McCutchen, ever the class act, acknowledged the ovation by pausing to soak in the moment–an emotional salute to a hometown crowd witnessing a historic feat.
From Clemente to Stargell
By surpassing Clemente’s mark of 240 career home runs, McCutchen now ranks just behind two other Pirates icons: Willie Stargell (475) and Ralph Kiner (301). That places him among the pantheon of franchise greats, a rarefied club defined by power, consistency, and team loyalty.
While Roberto Clemente’s legacy extends far beyond home runs–with his .317 lifetime average, 3,000 hits, and commitment to humanitarian work–McCutchen’s milestone invites comparisons that underscore his own impact on Pittsburgh baseball over multiple eras.
McCutchen first burst onto the scene in 2009, quickly ascending to stardom and capturing the NL MVP award in 2013. That season represented a peak—one of five All-Star selections, multiple Silver Sluggers, and a Gold Glove.
After departing Pittsburgh in free agency following the 2017 season, he returned in 2023 on a one-year deal worth $5 million. His resurgence culminated on June 1, 2025, when he tied Clemente with his 240th Pirate homer, and now this milestone swing solidifies his place in franchise history.
Strong Season
At age 38, he’s turned back the clock with a performance that’s both productive and more consistent. This season, he’s batting .264 with an on-base percentage over .356 and slugging .393–an impressive line for a veteran in his 17th major league season.
He’s already tallied 22 RBIs while continuing to show a disciplined approach at the plate and surprising speed on the basepaths. More than just a legacy figure, McCutchen remains a key contributor in the heart of the Pirates’ lineup.
Team Momentum
McCutchen’s homer wasn’t just a personal milestone, it lifted team morale. That night, the Pirates won their fifth game in six outings and capped a nine-game home stand with six wins. Bailey Falter delivered 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball, and Bednar recorded his ninth save, all inspired by the veteran’s big hit.
Contributions from Ke’Bryan Hayes and Adam Frazier–via a double steal and sacrifice fly–rounded out the offense, but it was McCutchen’s power that fueled the rally.
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