Three decisions changed the course of Saturday afternoon's Pittsburgh Pirates versus Los Angeles Dodgers game and all had one commonality; instant replay. It is extremely rare for a team to challenge three plays, let alone emerge victorious in each, however that was the case for the Pirates. "It speaks to the importance of it and why we have it," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Every one of the calls was against us and could have changed the outcome of the game dramatically. Today was one of ... Read More
Liriano helps own cause in come-from-behind victory
In his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Francisco Liriano has often backed away from pitches when he bats. Saturday afternoon, however, he took one deep to the opposite field and hit his first career home run, helping the Pirates defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers by a 6-5 score. “I was trying to put the ball in play and I put a good swing on it and hit a homer," Liriano said. "I got lucky there. I used to hit before so I have a little pop in me.” In the first inning, Liriano allowed one run ... Read More
Pirates pregame 8/8: Polanco heating up in leadoff role
Last night, a 10-inning contest which neared four hours ended in the Pittsburgh Pirates favor, as the Pirates defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers by a 5-4 score. “Both teams were playing hard and playing for a lot," manager Clint Hurdle said. Clayton Kershaw allowed a home run to Gregory Polanco on the first pitch of the bottom of the first inning ending his 37-inning scoreless streak. Despite allowing the second most hits and runs of the season to the Pirates, Kershaw received a ... Read More
Alvarez a pinch hit hero in walk-off win over Dodgers
Having the bases loaded was not necessarily a recipe for the success for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night, but pinch-hitter Pedro Alvarez made sure 39,404 fans went home happy. Alvarez's pinch-hit single with the bases full in the bottom of the tenth gave the Pirates a 5-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers. “Just because you don’t start a game it doesn’t mean that you won’t play a role in the game," Alvarez said. "I can speak for everyone here when they are in the same situation ... Read More
Pirates pregame 8/7: Cole faces Kershaw; Hughes is a metal head
A nationally televised audience is in for a treat as Gerrit Cole will face Clayton Kershaw on ESPN tonight in the first game of the season between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers. Cole [14-5 2.29 ERA] leads the major leagues in wins and since Sept. 7 has a 2.43 ERA and 170.1 innings pitched. He is 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two career starts against the Dodgers. He lost in his last start against the Cincinnati Reds and allowed three runs [two earned] in five innings. Cole has a 1-2 ... Read More
Pirates slug 12 hits in victory
The Chicago Cubs used a three-run sixth inning to tie the game while the Pittsburgh Pirates were using its third pitcher of the inning, Antonio Bastardo. Bastardo [3-1] faced pinch-hitter Chris Coghlan with the bases loaded and two outs. Coghlan grounded out on the first pitch keeping the score tied at four. The Pirates would respond following the out and won by a 7-5 score. “The absolute biggest pitch of the night for me," manager Clint Hurdle said. "It was a real efficient one-pitch ... Read More
Pirates pregame 8/5: Locke looks to reverse fortune; Melancon embraces adventure
The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking for a series split tonight against the Chicago Cubs. The first game scheduled for Monday was postponed due to weather and likely will be made up as a day-night doubleheader Sept. 15. In game two, the Cubs emerged victorious by a 5-0 score. J.A. Happ made his first start as a Pirate and did not make it out of the fifth inning. “There were some solid sequences but we have to get some improvement on the overall consistency," manager Clint Hurdle said of ... Read More
Pirates contained by Arrieta in loss
Two hits and five base runners. That was the Pittsburgh Pirates offense managed Tuesday night against Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta in a 5-0 loss. The Pirates were not able to move runners when they were on base as they grounded into inning ending double plays in both the fourth and fifth innings. This was accomplished once again in the eighth inning against Tommy Hunter. "Yeah we scattered a lot of hits out there but tonight it's all about the starting pitcher," Cubs manager ... Read More
Pirates pregame 8/4: Happ makes Pirates debut; Kang comments on award
Fans waited through three hours and 29 minutes of rain, thunder and lightning, however, just before midnight, Monday's contest between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs was postponed. There is no make up date currently schedule though the Pirates game notes have a doubleheader between the two teams listed for September 15. The Cubs return for a series September 15-17. J.A. [pronounced Jay] Happ will make his Pirates debut in tonight's game against Jake Arrieta. Happ posted a 4-6 ... Read More
Herbie wins: Pirates bullpen catcher still has passion for the game
Jared Hughes and Rob Scahill spent a few minutes on a Sunday morning discussing their bullpen catcher Heberto "Herbie" Andrade and what he meant to the team. Immediately, the two together said the same two words, "Herbie wins." Andrade's competitiveness has allowed him to persevere and make a difference at the major league level for the past 12 seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Andrade played a game as a young child in Venezuela where he substituted bottle caps for balls ... Read More