Pirates' Brandon Lowe one swing away from Opening Day history against Mets

Mar 21, 2026; Bradenton, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe (5) singles during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at LECOM Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Brandon Lowe can etch himself into Major League Baseball history with one more powerful swing against the New York Mets on Thursday. 

Heading into the top of the sixth on Opening Day, Lowe is 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBIs. His very first swing of the year produced a two-run homer off Mets starter Freddy Peralta, landing in the first few rows over the right field wall. 

Lowe tagged Peralta again in the third, sending a 92.8 mph fastball 401 feet into the Mets' bullpen for a solo shot. 

A three-team trade sent Lowe, a two-time All-Star, from the Tampa Bay Rays to the Pirates in December. His 39 homers in 2021 are a career high. 

Lowe seeking third HR of Opening Day 

If Lowe connects for a third home run on Thursday, he will become just the fifth player in Major League history to hit three homers on Opening Day. 

Here are the four other hitters to do so: 

• Matt Davidson -- Chicago White Sox (March 29, 2018) 
• Dmitri Young -- Detroit Tigers (April 4, 2005) 
• Tuffy Rhodes -- Chicago Cubs (April 4, 1994) 
• George Bell -- Toronto Blue Jays (April 4, 1988) 

In all likelihood, Lowe has two more trips to the plate, unless Pittsburgh's offense can rally and put guys on base at a high clip. 

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