Oct 4, 2005 1 min read

PITTSBURGH (AP) – The Pittsburgh Pirates play their 2006 home opener against the Dodgers on Monday afternoon, April 10, a week after opening the season in Milwaukee. For the second season in a row, the Pirates close the season at home, with a weeklong home stand Sept. 26-Oct. 1 against Houston and Cincinnati.

The Pirates play nine interleague home games, against the Twins (June 16-18), the White Sox (June 27-29) and the Tigers (June 30-July 2). They also resume their rivalry against the nearby Indians, in Cleveland on May 19-21, and will visit AL opponent Kansas City on June 20-22.

But the Pirates can’t duplicate this season’s July 4 home sellout against Philadelphia. After years of being scheduled for July 4 home games, the Pirates play at the Mets on that holiday next season. The Pirates are at home on Memorial Day (Milwaukee) but on the road on Labor Day (Cubs).

For a change, the Pirates’ home schedule includes 82 home dates, not 81. The All-Star game will be played at PNC Park on July 11.