Mary the Mountaineer Throws First Pitch at PNC Park

West Virginia is making its presence felt in the city of Pittsburgh despite there still being nearly two weeks to go until the Backyard Brawl.

The college’s mascot, Mary the Mountaineer, threw out the first pitch at Friday night’s Pittsburgh Pirates game, as WVU Night was celebrated at PNC Park.

The Mountaineer on the mound! ⚾️@WVUMascot threw out the first pitch at WVU Night at PNC Park! 💛💙 pic.twitter.com/10FfK4G0xo

— WVU Alumni (@WVUAlumniAssoc) August 20, 2022

Mary the Mountaineer tossed the first pitch with her iconic rifle in hand before posing for a photo with a fellow mascot, the Pirate Parrot.

Other West Virginia personnel were apart of the festivities, as alumnus Ed Lewis performed the National Anthem and Greater Pittsburgh Chapter President Brian Bond was recognized on the field prior to the game.

We had a ball ⚾ at WVU Night at PNC Park!

Tonight's National Anthem was performed by WVU alumnus Ed Lewis, and Greater Pittsburgh Chapter President Brian Bond was recognized on the field. It was great to see everyone at the game! pic.twitter.com/QvKfH1JUOX

— WVU Alumni (@WVUAlumniAssoc) August 20, 2022

West Virginia will make the 70 mile trek along Interstate 79 to Pittsburgh and battle the Panthers to open the 2022 college football season at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 1.

This will mark the 105th meeting between the squads and will be the first time the two teams have met since 2011, when the Mountaineers edged the Panthers 21-20.