After losing centerfielder Andrew McCutchen with one out in the first inning, the Pittsburgh Pirates responded with a five-run first offensive outburst in the bottom of the first en route to an 8-4 victory. “I think it was a real nice push for our guys to answer in that fashion," manager Clint Hurdle said. McCutchen left the game after he was hit by a pitch in the left elbow. In the first inning, Neil Walker started a string of seven consecutive Pirates that reached base. McCutchen was ... Read More
Pirates pregame 6/27: Mercer making progress; Polanco experiencing cold streak
The Pittsburgh Pirates moved to 10-0 at home against National League East opponents after a 3-2 victory Friday night against the Atlanta Braves in 10 innings. This afternoon the Pirates may battle the weather just as much -- if not more than -- the Braves as mother nature looks to add another layer to a lengthy stretch of recent home games. Both of the past two nights have featured games that have gone into extra innings, making it four home contests in the past nine games that have gone to ... Read More
Nationals sweep punchless Pirates
Sunday afternoon's game against the Washington Nationals [36-33] would end up a game to forget for pitcher Charlie Morton and the rest of the Pittsburgh Pirates [39-29]. Coming into the final game of this three-game series, Morton sported a 1.62 ERA and five wins in six starts. He would end up lasting only two thirds of an inning and gave up nine runs in a 9-2 loss. The Nationals took advantage of an erratic Morton, who was leaving balls on a tee for hitters. He gave up two home runs, a ... Read More
Pirates use long ball to win game; series
The Pirates combined timely hitting with a solid Charlie Morton outing, winning Tuesday night by a 3-0 score over the Chicago White Sox. In the two games the Pirates hosted at home, their outhit the White Sox 28-6. Morton earned his fifth win of the season in as many starts. He threw seven scoreless innings allowing four hits on 94 pitches and 65 were strikes. Morton retired 13 batters on three pitches or less and had 12 ground ball outs. Morton's main trouble came in the first inning when ... Read More
Pirates pregame 6/16: Hayes signs with Pirates; Bastardo glorious of late
An eight-game homestand concludes tonight when the Pittsburgh Pirates face the Chicago White Sox. In last night's game the Pirates tied a season high scoring 11 runs in a shutout victory against the White Sox. Francisco Liriano struck out 12 batters which also tied a season high. Tonight’s starters: The Pirates will send Charlie Morton to the mound to face Jose Quintana. Morton is 2-6 with a 5.00 ERA in 10 career Interleague starts. He pitched 7.1 shutout innings allowing three hits ... Read More
COLUMN: Morton on pace for unspectacular, yet quality year
On Wednesday, Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Charlie Morton received a roaring ovation from Pirate fans as he walked off the pitcher’s mound and toward the third base dugout against the Milwaukee Brewers. The right-hander just gave one of the Pirates’ best pitching performances this season – seven and a third innings of shutout baseball. And Morton’s season so far has deserved the applause of Pirate fans. The 31-year-old began the season on the disabled list while he continued to recover ... Read More
Morton’s outing helps Pirates avoid sweep
Charlie Morton pitched seven or more innings for the third time in four major league starts this season as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 2-0 to avoid a sweep. “That’s who we are, we bounce back very well," Jordy Mercer said. "We’re a very resilient ball club and when things don’t go for us we can easily come back the next day and be ready. We showed a full team effort tonight.” Morton [4-0] would pitch a total of 7.1 shutout innings allowing three hits. In his 102 ... Read More
Pirates pregame 6/10: Hurdle relates to Hart’s inactivity
The Pittsburgh Pirates look to avoid being swept when it takes on the Milwaukee Brewers tonight. The Pirates have been swept on two occasions this season, both on the road. The first sweep was the opening series against the Cincinnati Reds and the second was May 1-3 against the Cardinals as part of a five game losing streak. A loss for the Pirates tonight would be the first three game losing streak since they lost four May 13-16. The Brewers are 4-1 in their past five games. Tonight’s ... Read More
Pirates win streak hits four with victory over Braves
The Pittsburgh Pirates offense had 12 hits in a series opening 10-8 victory against the Atlanta Braves. Charlie Morton [3-0] did just enough to earn a victory against his former team, throwing five innings allowing four runs [three earned]. Morton also walked three batters and struck out one on 82 pitches, 50 of which were for strikes. Morton once again displayed his ground ball ability as the Braves had nine ground ball outs and two fly balls. The Braves scored two runs in the first ... Read More
Morton goes seven innings in Pirates win
Charlie Morton came into Saturday night's start with five career RBI and one win on the season. Each increased by one during the Pittsburgh Pirates 5-2 victory over the San Diego Padres. Morton [2-0] pitched his second consecutive seven inning outing surrendering two runs [one earned] on three hits. He threw 85 pitches, 57 of which were for strikes. Morton also got 16 ground ball outs and no fly ball outs in his outing. "It was a big boost," Josh Harrison said to Root Sports. "He went out ... Read More