University of Pittsburgh Athletics
Backyard Brawl Scheduled for PNC Park
9/20/2018 12:51:00 PM | Baseball
Pitt Announces 2019 Contest at PNC Park against Rival West Virginia
PITTSBURGH – The University of Pittsburgh baseball team announced Thursday afternoon that the 2019 home contest against rival West Virginia will be played at PNC Park on May 14.
"We are grateful to Frank Coonlley and the Pittsburgh Pirates organization for providing our student-athletes with an unbelievable experience," said head coach Mike Bell. "We look forward to continuing to work together to provide our team with memories that will last a lifetime."
The Panthers and Mountaineers, who have traditionally played a home-and-home series since both teams split from the Big East, will meet at PNC Park for the first time in the history of the rivalry. The game marks the first time the Panthers have played at PNC Park since the 2009 season and the sixth time in program history. Pitt owns a record of 3-2 at PNC Park, as all five prior games came against Duquesne.
The baseball version of the Backyard Brawl dates back to the 1939 season in a tightly-contested series, as the Mountaineers own a slim 83-73 all-time advantage.
West Virginia has taken the field at PNC Park in each of the last two seasons, claiming two victories over Penn State.
Ticket information will be released at a later date.
Pitt at PNC Park
May 6, 2003 - L, 2-1 – vs. Duquesne
May 12, 2004 - W, 5-1 – vs. Duquesne
April 13, 2005 - W, 9-2 – vs. Duquesne
April 16, 2008 - W, 17-6 – vs. Duquesne
May 6, 2009 - L, 5-2 – vs. Duquesne
Player Reactions
Infielder – David Yanni: "Since I've been here, games against WVU have always been ones that I circle on our schedule. The games are always so highly anticipated by us players but also the fans. Now that we have the privilege to play them at one of the most beautiful ballparks in America, the anticipation has been amped up. It is an awesome rivalry to be a part of and I can't wait to step on the field at PNC Park to take on the Mountaineers."
Outfielder – Nico Popa: "PNC Park is one of the best stadiums in the MLB. The views of the Pittsburgh skyline, the river and the bridges are amazing. I am proud to be from Pittsburgh and I can't wait to face West Virginia – one of our best rivalries – in this great stadium."
Pitcher – Mason Ronan: "The series is one of our biggest rivalries and to be able to play it at PNC Park makes it that much more intense and exciting. I can't wait to get out there and compete with my brothers in one of the best ballparks in the league."
Pitcher – Chris Gomez: "The rivalry continues at PNC Park! Being able to play West Virginia in the best stadium in baseball is very humbling and exciting for our program. We can't wat and hope to see all the Panthers fans out there showing their love and support. Hail to Pitt!"
#H2P | Twitter | Instagram
"We are grateful to Frank Coonlley and the Pittsburgh Pirates organization for providing our student-athletes with an unbelievable experience," said head coach Mike Bell. "We look forward to continuing to work together to provide our team with memories that will last a lifetime."
The Panthers and Mountaineers, who have traditionally played a home-and-home series since both teams split from the Big East, will meet at PNC Park for the first time in the history of the rivalry. The game marks the first time the Panthers have played at PNC Park since the 2009 season and the sixth time in program history. Pitt owns a record of 3-2 at PNC Park, as all five prior games came against Duquesne.
The baseball version of the Backyard Brawl dates back to the 1939 season in a tightly-contested series, as the Mountaineers own a slim 83-73 all-time advantage.
West Virginia has taken the field at PNC Park in each of the last two seasons, claiming two victories over Penn State.
Ticket information will be released at a later date.
Pitt at PNC Park
May 6, 2003 - L, 2-1 – vs. Duquesne
May 12, 2004 - W, 5-1 – vs. Duquesne
April 13, 2005 - W, 9-2 – vs. Duquesne
April 16, 2008 - W, 17-6 – vs. Duquesne
May 6, 2009 - L, 5-2 – vs. Duquesne
Player Reactions
Infielder – David Yanni: "Since I've been here, games against WVU have always been ones that I circle on our schedule. The games are always so highly anticipated by us players but also the fans. Now that we have the privilege to play them at one of the most beautiful ballparks in America, the anticipation has been amped up. It is an awesome rivalry to be a part of and I can't wait to step on the field at PNC Park to take on the Mountaineers."
Outfielder – Nico Popa: "PNC Park is one of the best stadiums in the MLB. The views of the Pittsburgh skyline, the river and the bridges are amazing. I am proud to be from Pittsburgh and I can't wait to face West Virginia – one of our best rivalries – in this great stadium."
Pitcher – Mason Ronan: "The series is one of our biggest rivalries and to be able to play it at PNC Park makes it that much more intense and exciting. I can't wait to get out there and compete with my brothers in one of the best ballparks in the league."
Pitcher – Chris Gomez: "The rivalry continues at PNC Park! Being able to play West Virginia in the best stadium in baseball is very humbling and exciting for our program. We can't wat and hope to see all the Panthers fans out there showing their love and support. Hail to Pitt!"
#H2P | Twitter | Instagram
Players Mentioned
Pitt Baseball | The Cardiac Cats do it again and defeat Louisville 13-11!
Wednesday, May 21
Pitt's Jayden Melendez Hits The Bull
Wednesday, May 21
Pitt First Baseman Luke Cantwell's Beautiful Basket Catch
Wednesday, May 21
Highlights | Pitt 13, Louisville 11 | ACC Tournament
Tuesday, May 20