Michael Waterloo

PNC Park -- Francisco Liriano led another stellar start by Pirates pitching as they rode two solo shots by Pedro Alvarez and Garrett Jones to a 2 – 1 victory over Donovan Hand and the Milwaukee Brewers on Saturday night. It marks the 15th straight time that Pirates starters have allowed three runs or less in their starts. “It (pitching) can be contagious in so many areas and our starters are very disciplined,” said manager, Clint Hurdle. “They understand, more so than ever, the responsibility of ... Read More

Who says going out West is a bad thing? After sweeping the Angels in Anaheim, the Pirates traveled up north to take on the Mariners in a two-game series. For the second time on the season, the Pirates would have to face arguably the best pitcher in baseball, Felix Hernandez. While Hernandez held the offense at bay for the most part, some late game heroics (are you surprised?), allowed the Pirates to sweep the West Coast trip and the Mariners, 4-2. "It's what you have to do. You follow a ... Read More

If you've watched the Pirates in the past couple of years, you've heard ROOT Sports announcer Bob Walk utter the phrase, "Ban the DH." He's of course referring to the designated hitter position that is so prevalent in the American League. Since 1973, pitchers don't bat in the game played at an American League park, but there is a player that is, well, designated to hit. Depending on who you talk to, you'll get different opinions on the topic. Some, like myself, prefer the traditional style of ... Read More

Even on the Pirates worst defensive day in recent memory, the Pirates found a way. That's been the story of the season so far for the Pirates. I know that people said it last year and that people are treading with caution this year, but this team looks different. It was never as evident as it was in the Pirates 10-9 win over the Los Angeles Angels. In true Pedro Alvarez fashion, he kicked off the game with solo shot to right field to put the Pirates on the board. With Alvarez's hit and Tony ... Read More

Ever since the Pirates selected Gerrit Cole with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, the expectations were through the roof. So far, Cole has met all of the expectations. He became the first pitcher to ever defeat to Cy Young Award winners in his first two starts when he bested Tim Lincecum and Zack Greinke, and also earned a third consecutive victory against Jered Weaver and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Against the Angels, Cole hit 100 miles-per-hour five times or more. Only one ... Read More

Just yesterday, the hot topic was surrounding the ESPN article that said the Pirates should make a run at Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins. Along with Jameson Taillon and Gregory Polanco, the other name that was included in the article was Tony Sanchez. Just 24 hours later, Sanchez will have a shot to show what he can do. 93.7 The Fan's Dan Zangrilli broke the news that Sanchez is expected to join the Pirates on their West Coast trip this weekend in Anaheim. Pittsburgh Sporting News has ... Read More

"El Toro strikes again!" You've heard that phrase a lot lately, 16 times this season to be exact, from broadcaster Tim Neverett while calling the Pittsburgh Pirates games. El Toro, of course, is the nickname for third baseman Pedro Alvarez. Since Alvarez has arrived, he's been everyone's favorite player to either love or hate; there's no in between. While Alvarez enjoyed a 3-4 day against the Reds with another home run and five RBIs, he continued to prove the point I've been trying to drive ... Read More

CINCINNATI -- Pirates starter Jeff Locke kept his unbeaten streak alive Wednesday at Great American Ball Park. Closer Jason Grilli couldn't say the same about his own impressive run, blowing his first save of the season en route to a 2-1 loss to the Reds in 13 innings. After Locke threw seven scoreless innings and Mark Melancon gave up just one hit in the eighth, Grilli came on for the ninth looking to match a club record with his 26th straight converted save opportunity. He forced Brandon ... Read More

Indianapolis (47-25) - In addition to having the best record in the International League, Indianapolis leads the league in ERA (3.32), shutouts (seven) and saves (26)...The team is also tied for the fewest home runs al- lowed (48) in the league...Three pitchers rank in the top 10 in the league in ERA (Gerrit Cole - 5th, 2.91, Andy Oliver - 7th, 3.04 and Kris Johnson - 10th, 3.07)...Andy Oliver ranks second in the league in strikeouts (79) and batting average against (.202)...Tony Sanchez ranks ... Read More