The Los Angeles Dodgers were looking to hold onto a 5-3 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning, but instead left down seven runs to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Reliever Jim Johnson [2-5] allowed eight runs on six hits in two-thirds of an inning. He would call it one of his worst outings in his professional career after the game. The Pirates won the game 12-6 and earned their first sweep of the Dodgers in Pittsburgh since 1999. “Wow," manager Clint Hurdle said. "It’s a testament that these ... 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
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 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
Defense shines in Pirates victory
Joakim Soria was making his Pittsburgh Pirates debut and loaded the bases while loading the bases. He then fell behind Brayan Pena 3-0 before making hard contact on a 3-1 offering. The Cincinnati Reds appeared poise to tie or lead the game on the play, however Soria stuck his glove out and ended the inning to Pena's surprise. Following a 10-run loss Thursday, the Pirates came back and tied the four-game series with a 5-4 victory. The Pirates finish the month at a National League best 17-9 ... Read More
Pirates sweep Twins; onto Cincinnati
The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Minnesota Twins by a 10-4 score Wednesday afternoon to secure its league-leading 11th sweep of the season. This contest featured five total errors, one of which the Pirates used to create separation on the scoreboard. The Pirates scored first as Jung Ho Kang homered to left field with one out. It was his seventh of the season and his second in as many days. The Pirates are now 34-10 when scoring first. In the bottom half of the inning Eddie Rosario ... Read More
Pirates win series in front of sellout crowd
Up by two runs with starter Gerrit Cole out of the game, Tony Watson faced Bryce Harper with two on and two out. Harper hit a ground ball that Sean Rodriguez read off a hop and ran to the bag to record the third out. “It was one of those in-between ones," Rodriguez said. "That was basically one of those that if I get to it then there’s no play at first but I could at least keep a run from scoring. I took that chance and [Walker] said it was the right read.” The Pittsburgh Pirates took ... Read More
Pirates overwhelmed by Nationals offense
Ask A.J. Burnett about his start in Saturday night's loss and he would not discuss the eight strikeouts, but rather all of the mistakes he made. “I’m hitting guys in the foot, throwing balls down the middle, throwing balls away from first, I didn’t cover home," Burnett said. "I got strike outs but I’ve got to keep the balls in the lanes and in the corners.” The Pittsburgh Pirates appeared to be on the verge of a comeback following a three-run sixth inning, but one swing of the bat from Ian ... Read More
Pirates return home to beat Nationals
Following a 1-5 road trip, the Pittsburgh Pirates returned to PNC Park and promptly won a 7-3 contest against the Washington Nationals Thursday night. "It was good to play in front of our hometown fans and good for the guys to push everything back, catch their breath and go out and play a baseball game," manager Clint Hurdle said. The Pirates scored first in the bottom of the first inning and used two-out hitting to benefit them in the process. Andrew McCutchen started with a single and ... Read More
Pirates late miscues result in loss
A controversial call, eighth inning defensive issues and ninth inning base running cost Gerrit Cole and the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 3-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Starling Marte hit what appeared to be a home run in the second inning, however after video review the play was ruled a double. The ball hit near the top row of padding in left field and then landed in the Royals bullpen. The Root Sports broadcast clearly showed Marte surprised by the call. Manager Clint Hurdle looked for an ... Read More