Burnett overwhelmed by city's Bat Signal tribute

PITTSBURGH -- The Bat Signal welcomed back the Caped Crusader's alter ego on Thursday night.

Pirates right-hander A.J. Burnett, the celebrated kindred of Batman, was making his return start off the disabled list in the Bucs' 6-4 loss in 13 innings to the Brewers at PNC Park.

As Burnett worked for the first time since landing on the DL with a strained elbow on July 31, he did so in the shadow of a Pittsburgh skyline illuminated with multi-colored impressions of the legendary Bat Signal with which Police Commissioner Gordon would call for Batman's help.

"Pretty cool. By far the coolest thing that's happened to me in my career, said Burnett, who logged five innings after a shaky three-run first in a no-decision.

"As much as you'd like to have a 'W' at the end of a night like that, for the people behind it ... a big thank you. It was incredible."

Pittsburgh mayor William Peduto noted and expressed thanks for the cool project in a statement issued by his office on Thursday night:

Video: MIL@PIT: Lighting professionals discuss Bat-Signal

"On behalf of the City of Pittsburgh, I would like to thank DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment for permission to project the Bat Signal during tonight's Pirates game as we welcome the team back to Pittsburgh and A.J. Burnett back to the mound.

"A special thank you is owed to Legendary Pictures CEO Thomas Tull for sponsoring the Bat Signal projection.

"Let's Go Bucs."