The Pittsburgh Pirates secured a 10-3 victory over the Boston Red Sox on August 30, 2025, in a game marked by an unusual play where a wild pitch became lodged in the protective netting, allowing Andrew McCutchen to score a run. This bizarre incident added a quirky twist to the Pirates’ offensive outburst, which included a home run from Oneil Cruz and strong performances from several hitters.
The game took place at Fenway Park, with the Pirates demonstrating improved form late in the season. Johan Oviedo started for Pittsburgh, pitching five innings and allowing only one run while striking out six batters. The Red Sox, aiming to solidify their playoff positioning, struggled with pitching consistency, particularly from starter Dustin May, who gave up seven runs over 5.1 innings.
In the top of the ninth inning, with the Pirates leading 9-3, Andrew McCutchen was on third base after singling and advancing on a double by Nick Gonzales. Red Sox reliever Jordan Hicks delivered a pitch that sailed high and struck the protective netting behind home plate. The ball failed to rebound onto the field, and the umpires immediately ruled it dead, awarding McCutchen home plate to extend the lead to 10-3.
Protective netting has been a standard feature in MLB ballparks for years, primarily installed to enhance fan safety by preventing foul balls from reaching spectators. This measure was expanded league-wide after several high-profile incidents, including one at a Pirates game in 2015 where a fan was injured. While effective for safety, the netting can occasionally influence game play, as demonstrated in this rare event.
The Pirates’ offense was led by Oneil Cruz, who hit a solo home run in the sixth inning, sparking a five-run rally that broke the game open. Bryan Reynolds, Tommy Pham, and Nick Gonzales each contributed multiple hits and RBIs, showcasing the depth of Pittsburgh’s lineup. The win improved the Pirates’ record to 60-76, as they aim to finish the season on a positive note.
For the Red Sox, the loss dropped their record to 75-61, but they remain in contention for a playoff spot. The team is dealing with pitching inconsistencies as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season. This incident, while memorable, did not significantly alter the game’s outcome but provided a unique moment for discussion.
MLB continues to evaluate and update safety protocols, including netting extensions, to balance fan protection with game integrity. Occurrences like this are infrequent and unlikely to prompt immediate changes, but they highlight the unpredictable nature of baseball. The teams were scheduled to conclude their series the following day, with both focusing on their respective goals for the remainder of the season.