With the 2013 year winding down, Pittsburgh Sporting News brings you the best and worst of this year in Pittsburgh sports:
Game of the year
Pirates defeat Reds in the Wild Card
“Cuetttttoooooo. Cuetttttttoooooo.” The Pirates finally became contenders and the fans took out 20 years of frustration on the Cincinnati Reds. The Bucs crushed the Reds 8-2 and advanced to the NLDS, falling one win short of a Championship series berth.
Athlete of the year
Andrew McCutchen squeaks by Antonio Brown. The National League MVP led the Pirates to the playoffs and proved he wasn’t the next Barry Bonds by hitting .333/.462/.381 in six playoff games.
Bust of the year
Lamarr Woodley. He hasn’t been the same player since signing a mega contract.
Disappointment of the year
The Penguins getting swept by Boston. Pittsburgh loaded up on big names and after a tough start in the opening round against New York, the Penguins destroyed the Ottawa Senators and appeared to be on their way to the Stanley Cup. Unfortunately, Tukka Rask and the Bruins stymied the Penguins and swept them out of the playoffs for the first time since 1979.
Play of the year
Brooks Orpik’s overtime goal in Game 6 wins the year. The Islanders put up a huge fight for the Penguins and anyone that says they weren’t nervous about a Game 7 was fooling themselves.
Moment
With the crowd screaming “Let’s Go Bucs”, dressed head to toe in black, with fans spilling over the rotunda, the first pitch of the Wild Card against Cincinnati was a dream come true.
Coach
Hands down, Clint Hurdle. Mike Tomlin couldn’t coach the Steelers to the playoffs, Dan Bylsma’s Penguins fell short, and neither Pitt team made a major splash. Hurdle was a rock during the ups and downs of the Pirates season and proved to be the best fit for a young team.
Comeback player
Francisco Liriano. After breaking his arm in a Christmas home-related stunt, Liriano went from goat to Cy Young candidate and a deadly weapon in the playoffs.
Best story
The 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates.
Rookie of the year
Gerrit Cole was a beast in September and gave the Pirates a much-needed win in Game 2 of the Divisional Series. The Pirates were confident enough to give Cole the nod in Game 5 which didn’t end quite as well but gave fans one more reason to be excited in 2014.
Photo courtesy of NY Daily News
