Konnor Griffin has arrived, and it didn’t take long for the top prospect around Major League Baseball to make an impact.
In his first MLB at-bat Friday afternoon, Griffin roped a double to left centerfield, which scored the first run of the Pittsburgh Pirates home opener against the Baltimore Orioles.
Just moments after his first RBI, Griffin then scored his first MLB run on a single from Jared Triolo. Griffin slid head first into home while scoring on the single from second base.
Griffin’s first hit, RBI and run immediately sparked reaction from Pirates and baseball fans on social media.
The double from Griffin came after the 19-year-old shortstop swung and missed at two early offspeed pitches. He also had a foul tip, which the Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman didn’t secure, which kept the at-bat alive.
Former Cy Young winner Dallas Braden shared on X how impressive the 19-year-old was in his first plate appearance.
Griffin hit his double on the fifth pitch of the at-bat. The Pirates broadcast stated the shortstop hit the breaking pitch from Orioles starter Kyle Bradish 106 mph off the bat.
Griffin’s RBI-double sparked a 4-run second inning for the Pirates. They entered the third frame of their home opener leading the Orioles 4-0.
Before Friday, both the Pirates and Orioles opened the 2026 MLB season with 3-3 records.
Phenom Konnor Griffin Lights up Social Media With 1st Hit, RBI in Pirates Home Opener