Following an 8-2 road trip, the Pirates return home for a six-game homestand to conclude the regular season. An important three-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals is on tap first. Recalling the road trip, despite a setback Sunday, Tony Watson was pleased with the team's overall body of work. “It’s never easy going to the West Coast, especially this time of year and we faced some good arms, some Cy Young candidates obviously," Watson said. "We’ve had and will continue to have tough ... Read More
Pirates dominated by Arrieta again in loss
The Pittsburgh Pirates saw Jake Arrieta for the third time in as many weeks, and the results were not favorable. Arrieta had a perfect game through six innings and the Chicago Cubs avoided a sweep winning 4-0 Sunday night. Arrieta [21-6], entered play with a 2-1 record to go with a 0.93 ERA in four starts against the Pirates. In Sunday's contest, Arrieta pitched seven scoreless innings striking out nine batters and allowing one hit, the leadoff single from Gregory Polanco in the seventh ... Read More
Pirates clinch third straight playoff berth
Merry Clinchmas, Pirates fans. September 23 has been a good day for the Pittsburgh Pirates, as they've clinched their playoff spot on that day in each of the last three years. This season, the Pirates defeated the Colorado Rockies by a 13-7 score to punch their ticket to the postseason. Neil Walker went 4-for-5 at the plate, hitting his 15th home run of the season in the third inning, while also batting in a career-high six runs. The Pirates had a total of 19 hits in the game. As far as ... Read More
Pirates maintain wild card lead; Melancon makes history
The pressure was on the Pittsburgh Pirates as a loss would result in a drop to third place in the National League Central. Instead, the Pirates defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers Saturday night by a 3-2 score. It has not been an easy week for the Pirates as the team lost four in a row and could not defeat Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta and Zack Greinke. Saturday, the Pirates drew Clayton Kershaw. An eighth inning Aramis Ramirez double, allowed for the Pirates to defeat Kershaw [14-7]. Kershaw ... Read More
Pirates pregame 9/17: Former reliever gives Watson valuable advice
The Pittsburgh Pirates will look to win its afternoon contest Thursday afternoon against the Chicago Cubs. If the Pirates do win it will avoid losing its first four-game series of the season. This afternoon, Charlie Morton will face Kyle Hendricks. Morton is 3-5 with a 4.71 ERA in 13 career starts against the Cubs. Morton won his last start, snapping a three-game losing streak. In the start, Morton allowed two runs on three hits over six innings of work against the Milwaukee ... Read More
Pirates pregame 9/16: Arrieta faces Pirates on Clemente Day
Following a split of the day/night doubleheader, the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs will face off once again, this time in the third game of a four-game series. The Pirates have the unenviable task of facing Jake Arrieta tonight on Roberto Clemente Day. Arrieta is looking to be the first Cubs starting pitcher with 20 wins since Jon Lieber accomplished the feat in 2001. “When you’re connected to the game to win 20 games is still impressive," manager Clint Hurdle said. "It’s just so ... Read More
September call-ups make difference in Pirates Game 1 victory
20-plus media members and five camera lined up by Gerrit Cole's locker following the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-4 victory over the Chicago Cubs Tuesday afternoon as part of a doubleheader. Jordy Mercer observed the scene and was surprised by the growing amounts of media that pay visits to the clubhouse. "They're focused daily and that's one of the reasons why we've been so successful," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We can't control the externals. There's more people that are going to come, more ... Read More
McCutchen nominated for Roberto Clemente Award
Pittsburgh Pirates centerfielder Andrew McCutchen is no stranger to accolades. He is the reigning National League MVP and NL Player of the Month. Today, he was named the Pirates nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award. The award recognizes players that represent the game through positive contributions on and off the field, including sportsmanship and community involvement. "This award represents everything Roberto stood for as a 'good Samaritan,'" said MLB Goodwill Ambassador Vera ... Read More
Bucs come back to beat Brewers in extras
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle had a speaking engagement for 6:30 and dinner with his family two hours later. Both were in jeopardy. With Sunday afternoon's game in the 11th inning and runners on the corners with one out, the defense shifted into double play depth. “You’re gambling," Hurdle said. "You’ve got the game on the line.” The result was an inning-ending double play and Jared Hughes, pumped his fist from the mound after the play unfolded. “When the ball goes off the ... Read More
Pirates put up 10 runs against the Brewers
Jeff Locke made it through 6.1 innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates won 10-2 Saturday night against the Milwaukee Brewers. The difference-maker for the Pirates in this game was a five-run third inning. Gregory Polanco led off with a walk to reach base for the 48 of his past 59 games. Josh Harrison then added a single and Andrew McCutchen did the same, recording his 91st RBI in the process. This placed the Pirates in front by a 1-0 score. Aramis Ramirez then hit a double, which brought home ... Read More