‘Cueto!’: Looking back at Pirates’ 2013 NL Wild Card victory

Clint Hurdle called it one of the best days of his life.

Many of the thousands of Pirates fans who filled PNC Park 11 years ago have a similar feeling as the then-Bucs manager.

Tuesday is the anniversary of the 2013 National League Wild Card game between the Pirates and visiting Cincinnati Reds.

One of the best days of my life…..
To see so much joy on so many faces will be a lifetime memory. A generational W. Let’s Go BUCS!
We Raised It! ????‍☠️⚔️????‍☠️ https://t.co/B01yDV4rmA

— Clinton M Hurdle (@ClintHurdle13) October 1, 2024

It has sparked vivid memories for Pirates fans of all generations:

• The “Blackout” crowd of 40,487 fans that included hundreds of standing-room only spectators and was the largest in PNC Park history.

Chaz Palla | TribLive

Fans celebrate the Pirates win over the Reds in the National League Wild Card playoff game Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013 at PNC Park.

• Dozens of others lining the Roberto Clemente Bridge hoping to get a glimpse of a playoff baseball atmosphere that hadn’t been witnessed in two decades.

• Starter Francisco Liriano, making his third career postseason appearance, holding the Reds to one run and four hits over seven innings with five strikeouts.

• Catcher Russell Martin’s two solo home runs, including a seventh-inning blast that marked the first time the Pirates hit three homers in a playoff game at home since Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.

Christopher Horner | TribLive

Pirates catcher Russell Martin crosses homeplate after hitting a home run during the second inning of the National League Wild Card playoff game Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at PNC Park.

• And, of course, Reds pitcher Johnny Cueto dropping the ball on the mound after allowing a second-inning homer to Marlon Byrd and then giving up a solo shot to Martin as fans serenaded him with chants of “Cue-to, Cue-to!”

On this date in 2013, the greatest night in my professional career took place. The @Pirates beat the @Reds, 6-2, in the N.L. Wild Card Game. Russell Martin homered twice and Francisco Liriano gave up one run in 7.0ip for the victory. #thebestnightatpncpark #Cueto #blackout pic.twitter.com/hlxYF0CsBV

— Jimmy T (@JimmyTrdinich) October 1, 2024

• Closer Jason Grilli giving Martin a bear hug after securing the final three outs.

Christopher Horner | TribLive

Pirates closer Jason Grilli and catcher Russell Martin celebrate after the final out in the ninth inning of the National League Wild Card playoff game Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at PNC Park.

The Pirates beat the Reds, 6-2, in the winner-take-all game to advance to the National League Division Series against the Cardinals. The Pirates lost that five-game series 3-2.

The 2013 NL wild-card game remains the only postseason round the Pirates have won since the 1979 World Series.

Christopher Horner | TribLive

Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen scores a run during the third inning of the National League Wild Card playoff game Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2013, at PNC Park.

Relive the moment in this TribLive game story and commentary and a day-after feature chronicling one of the most memorable games in Pirates history.

Watch the game here.

Christopher Horner | TribLive

Pirates players douse manager Clint Hurdle with champagne after winning the National League Wild Card game on Oct. 1, 2013, at PNC Park. Hurdle was named the Sporting News Manager of the Year.