It appeared the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen would finally allow a run as the Oakland Athletics had runners on first and third base with one out in the sixth inning. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle had been ejected earlier in the inning, his second removal of the week, and A.J. Schugel was tasked with keeping his team up 4-3 on the scoreboard against the Athletics. Stephen Vogt was the batter and defensive replacement David Freese would be put to the test. Vogt hit a hard line drive to Freese ... Read More
Another come-from-behind win gives Pirates series vs. A’s
It was a game that mirrored Friday night's game, and, though Saturday's game took longer to determine a winner, the outcome was the same: a Pittsburgh Pirates win over the Oakland Athletics. Although, tonight, the final score was 4-2, and it took 10 innings. Tonight's win means the Pirates are now 4-4 on the season in extra inning games and have won two of their past three series (after dropping four in a row); this is the first time the Pirates have won a road series since a trip to St. ... Read More
Pirates recover from early deficit, defeat A’s 7-3
This game had “loss” written all over it for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates trailed the Oakland Athletics 3-0 through two innings, and Jeff Locke was starting on the mound in a road contest. As good as Locke has been at home — posting a 2.96 ERA — he's struggled mightily on the road; he has a 7.36 ERA (36 earned runs allowed in 44-plus inning pitched) to show for it. And, tonight, after three innings Locke was already at 72 pitches. It had the makings of a short outing. But, after a ... Read More
Breaking down pitch adjustments from pitcher, catcher and hitter POVs
It seems so simple: a pitcher throws a pitch, and a batter either looks at it or swings. But, in reality, it’s much more complicated than that. It’s this game of cat-and-mouse game between a pitcher, catcher and hitter that determines success, wins and so much more. So you wanna be a pitcher? The pitcher has the most control in an at-bat — after all, the ball is in his hand. He dictates the pitch, and he relies on a variety of different things to determine what he should throw. “The ... Read More
Pirates split series vs Mariners as Pittsburgh’s offense awakens
A day after the frustrated Pittsburgh Pirates could do no right, smiles were aplenty as they beat the Seattle Mariners 8-1 Wednesday night. The Pirates were able to capitalize off Mariners starter Wade Miley, who was making his first start since coming off the disabled list after recovering from a shoulder injury. Miley (6-4) didn't make it to the fifth inning as he had already allowed five runs on seven hits through four innings while also throwing 74 pitches. See also: Niese's miscues ... Read More
Niese’s miscues costly in Pirates’ loss
The Pittsburgh Pirates' reaction to Tuesday night's 5-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners can best be summarized by something simple: a hung head. Pittsburgh starter Jon Niese hung his head after Seattle's Nelson Cruz hit a towering home run, the 19th homer the Pirates starter surrendered this season. Cruz's ball stayed just fair, flirting with the left field foul pole and giving Cruz 20 home runs for the eighth consecutive ... Read More
Liriano’s inconsistencies continue in Pirates’ loss
Up 4-0 in Monday's game, it appeared the Pittsburgh Pirates were well on their way to a sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers. But before anyone could say, “Get out the brooms,” the Pirates gave up the lead and lost the game 5-4. The Pirates got the Dodgers on the ropes early when Los Angeles pitcher Scott Kazmir struggled through a 40-pitch first inning. Pittsburgh left fielder Starling Marte started the scoring with an RBI single. Right fielder Sean Rodriguez added to the tally by drawing a ... Read More
Huntington: Glasnow, Bell will remain in Triple-A for time being
Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington met with reporters Sunday. Here's what he had to say. On prized prospect Josh Bell: “Defensively, he continues to be a work in progress and is getting better, but there is still work to do. With Josh, we are talking about an outfielder moving into the infield, and that takes more time. It's more game situation and awareness and where he needs to be and what he needs to do. Offensively, the power is beginning to show. He'll learn how to work ... Read More
Pirates’ key to success? Having fun
Forgive the Pirates for having a rather somber clubhouse more often than not this month. That's why the last three days have been special for the Pirates. Not only have they been getting wins, but they've been doing so in spectacular fashion. “Our starters gave us quality starts, and our offense came through with big hits and scoring runs,” said catcher Chris Stewart. “That’s our typical type of baseball we like to play. The goal is to keep that momentum going and play (like that) the rest of ... Read More
In MLB debut, Chad Kuhl bests Clayton Kershaw, 4-3
In the fifth inning, a pitch skipped off Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Chris Stewart's glove, and he immediately went into panic mode. “‘Oh no,’ that was my first thought,” Stewart said. If Stewart couldn't react quickly, Los Angeles Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner would score. Immediately, Stewart scrambled to the wall, correctly read the bounce and dove. As this was going on, Pirates starting pitcher Chad Kuhl made a beeline for home plate, and Stewart threw a ball right at his ... Read More