Started with pitch (3)
I believe the answer is:
tar
'pitch' is the definition.
(synonyms)
'started with' is the wordplay.
'with' indicates the answer is hidden within the clue.
'TAR' can be found hidden inside 'started'.
(Other definitions for tar that I've seen before include "Sailor; road surface" , "It paves the way" , "Cigarette residue - old word for sailor" , "Thick, sticky liquid distilled from coal" , "Informal sailor or road surfacing material" .)