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Pirate Francisco Cervelli takes a swing early in the game. His team would open the season in grand style, beating the Cardinals 4-1. Pictures in this gallery were shot with a lens that creates a very shallow depth of field. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Matt Freed/Post-Gazette Pirates’ Francisco Cervelli congratulates closer Mark Melancon after defeating the Cardinals Sunday at PNC Park.
Michael Henninger/Post-Gazette 20160403MWHchurch Local Parishioners kneel and pray during the final mass at Saint John Vianney Parish in Allentown on Sunday, April 3, 2016.
Golden Glove award moments before it was presented to outfielder Starling Marte. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Jolly Roger flies over the rotunda. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Pitt running back James Conner throws out the first pitch. Conner is battling Hodgkin lymphoma. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Backstage, Pittsburgh pierogies nervously await the start of their traditional race. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Terron Whitehead, 2, attended the game with grandmother Tamitra Miles. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Groundskeepers prepare the field an hour before the game. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Cam Evans Sr. chats with son Cam Evans Jr. At left is Dale Tyler and Brooke Livinston. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
A vendor sells his wares. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Douglas Johnson watches. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Starling Marte in left field. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Pirates line up to hear the National Anthem. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Pirate Andrew McCutchen is greeted by manager Clint Hurdle. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
St. Louis watches Pirates introduction. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Andrew McCutchen accepts the Louisville Slugger award. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Outfielder Starling Marte accepts Golden Glove award. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Outfielder Gregory Polanco prepares for the game. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Owner Robert Nutting chats before the first pitch of the season. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Matt Stickle, 7, and other participants in the “Kids Take the Field” program await the start. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Andrew McCutchen gets a vote for president. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
The day began with fans streaming across the Roberto Clemente Bridge. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Ben Phillips and Jess Cabin get a picture in front of the Willie Stargell statue. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Jeff Walters is Wiggles the First Mate. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Mr. Potato Head greets fans on the Roberto Clemente Bridge. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Alyson Gresh, 5, and brother Luke, 7, brought signs. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Chris Miller is decked out in some very cool Pirate gear at a tailgate party. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Louis Lambros of Mt. Lebanon showed up as “Bucco Louie.”
Pirate manager Clint Hurdle warms up his players with some fielding. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Pirate helmets before the game. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)
Pittsburgher Jackie Evancho was on hand to sing the National Anthem. (Steve Mellon/Post-Gazette)