Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here’s your day in sports for Tuesday, September 29, 2015.
What’s on tap for today:
The Penguins (2-3-0) will take the hour-long bus ride to Johnstown, Pa where they will host the Tampa Bay Lightning at the historic Cambria County War Memorial Arena. The game — and hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of arena upgrades — were given to Johnstown for winning the first Kraft Hockeyville USA contest. The War Memorial is most famous for being the arena where the iconic 1970’s hockey move Slap Shot was filmed. Face-off is at 7:00 p.m. NBC Sports Network
The Pirates (95-62) have a must-win game if they still entertain thoughts of winning the National League Central. In fact, pretty much all of their remaining five games will be must-win. The St. Louis Cardinals (99-58), meanwhile, will be looking to win tonight to set up a division-clinching game at PNC Park tomorrow. Michael Wacha will take the hill for the Redbirds. The Bucs will counter with Charlie Morton. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m., but there is rain in the forecast. ROOT Sports Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh headlines:
The Pirates failed to cash in on several opportunities to put a run across against Cardinals starter Lance Lynn. The Bucs loaded the bases four times, but came away empty and Saint Louis scored three runs on Mark Melancon in the ninth to escape with a 3-0 victory.
This Pirates/Cardinals series might be the most important regular season series in the 14-year history of PNC Park, writes analyst Andrew Hodgson.
Despite the obvious importance of the series, the Pirates are taking it one game at a time, writes beat writer Zachary Weiss.
It was a win, but it wasn’t very pretty. See what kind of grades the Steelers (2-1) got in our Week 3 Report Card from editor Matt Shetler.
After giving up four goals in their third straight game last night in Quebec City, questions remain about the Penguins defense going into the season.
On this date in 2008, the Steelers came from behind to beat the Baltimore Ravens 23-20 in overtime at Heinz Field. Jeff Reed (right) kicked a 46-yard field goal to win he game in OT.
The Steelers were down 13-3 at the half before a 38-yard Ben Roethlisberger touchdown pass to Santonio Holmes got them back in the game. Linebacker Lamarr Woodley later scored his first career touchdown on a third-quarter fumble by Joe Flacco.
He said it: “We couldn’t care less what the number is. The season ain’t over until it’s over. It’s a tough loss but we have another one against them tomorrow.” — Pirates infield Josh Harrison after the team’s disappointing loss to the Cardinals on Monday night.
Photo credit: NBC Sports (main) Getty Images (inset)
