Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here’s your day in sports for Sunday, October 4, 2015.
What’s on tap for today:
The Pirates (97-64) need a win over the Reds (64-97) today or a Cubs loss to ensure home-field advantage for the Wild Card game. J.A. Happ will take the hill for the Bucs, who have won seven of his nine starts. First pitch is at 3:05 p.m. ROOT Sports Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh headlines:
Veteran Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett made his final start of the regular season last night, and if the Pirates don’t win their playoff game against the Cubs, it will be the final game of his career. Despite a 3-1 loss, it was a memorable night for ‘Batman”.
Burnett’s teammates, coaches and manager told our Zachary Weiss what Burnett has meant to the team during his time here.
Speaking of the Wild Card game, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle has chosen Gerrit Cole to face off against Jake Arrieta and the Chicago Cubs.
The Steelers have their fourth kicker of the season, as they released kicker Josh Scobee after he missed 2-of-4 field goal attempts on Thursday against Baltimore. He’ll be replaced by Chris Boswell.
The Penguins released veteran Sergei Gonchar as their roster takes shape.
Pitt (3-1)opened ACC play with a road win over Virginia Tech.
It wasn’t pretty, but Penn State overcame several key injuries and miserable conditions to beat Army 20-14.
On this date in 2010, one day after the season ended, the Pirates fired manager John Russel. Russell tied a franchise record for most losses by a manager in three seasons, compiling a 186-299 record. He later replaced by Clint Hurdle
He said it: “Best night of my career, hands down, win or loss.” — Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett.
Photo credit: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
