Only about 100 fans were seen leaving the ballpark immediately following the third, and it appeared that many of the fans who vacated their seats returned not long after leaving.

Organizers who staged a pre-game rally outside PNC Park wanted fans displeased with the Pirates' low-spending ownership to walk out of the ballpark — fittingly, on a night the club gave away bobblehead dolls honoring former Pirates pitcher Bob Walk.

While the anti-ownership effort was the most organized of any during the Pirates' run of losing seasons, which began under previous owners in 1993, it wasn't very successful. Fans unhappy with the club were asked to wear green shirts, but many who did stayed in their seats.

Efforts by some spectators to start a derisive chant about the Pirates' ownership failed, and some fans booed those green-shirted fans who left their seats.

"I totally understand the fans' frustration," Pirates principal owner Bob Nutting told Fox Sports Pittsburgh during its game telecast. "I respect the people who are trying to make a statement."

Nutting also said he appreciated the support of the fans who stayed in their seats.