Renegade Squirrel Drives Pittsburgh Pirates Staff Nuts

Pittsburgh Pirates fans haven’t had much to cheer about lately. The team has consistently been among the worst in all of Major League Baseball. While the Buccos have a promising young crop of players working through the minor league system, a visit to PNC Park is more often about the beautiful views and sightlines than the on-field product.

Last night, Pirates supporters got a lot more than they bargained for. Highly touted prospect Oneil Cruz was finally called up to the Steel City and sparked the team to a 12-1 drubbing of the Chicago Cubs. Those in the stands and watching on television also got to see a hilarious moment involving a renegade squirrel.

The critter got loose in the outfield in the second inning. The squirrel took off towards left field. Pirates staffers tried in vain to run off the rodent.

The team sent the grounds crew out with a bucket, a towel, and a net. They cornered the little guy as comedic music played over the public address system. The announcers mocked the situation as they called play-by-play in hilarious fashion.

Eventually, the squirrel ran into the bullpen in center field. Despite the grounds crew’s best efforts, the animal had the last laugh. Even Major League Baseball tweeted a video of the ordeal, with the caption, “Sandy Cheeks wildin.”

Baseball often offers fans side entertainment during the game to keep things interesting. Last night at PNC Park, the show came free of charge. The squirrel made the stadium staff look more like the Keystone Cops.

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