The Pittsburgh Pirates will look to avoid an eighth consecutive loss against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday night. Thursday, the Pirates fell 6-4 in 13 innings. A.J. Burnett made his return to action for the first time since July. He earned a no-decision after allowing three runs in five innings. Burnett allowed all three of his runs in the first inning, increasing his second-half ERA to 11.12. By the end of his start it was down to 9.00. The loss also ended a 19-game winning streak for the ... Read More
Cervelli’s health has been key for Pirates
When Francisco Cervelli was traded from the New York Yankees to the Pittsburgh Pirates, expectations immediately rose. He was, after all, replacing Russell Martin. Martin was a clear leader of the Pirates and was well-liked by his teammates and fans as well as the media. Martin was known for having a tireless work ethic and was always willing to put his teammates needs above his own. "It’s been so much fun to see him thrive in this environment, take charge, learn and get better," catching ... Read More
Pirates cook up some Stew in a pinch to earn extra inning victory
It was not a home game for the Pittsburgh Pirates, however you could not tell in the 14th inning. Fans celebrated Chris Stewart's pinch-hit single and started a Let's Go Bucs chant after a Sean Rodriguez RBI. When the umpires departed by the tunnel, the Pirates defeated the New York Mets by a 5-3 score in 14 innings Saturday night. This is the seventh consecutive extra innings win for the Pirates who are also 5-0 against the Mets this season. It was not an easy victory for the Pirates who ... 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
Catchers easily transition into becoming a manager
Prior to a recent Pirates game Jared Hughes, came up to me to discuss my Kris Watts feature and made a statement that confirmed what had become a popular school of thought. "I'll tell you what," Hughes said, "so many catchers have made the transition into becoming a manager. Right away I think of Mike Matheny, Mike Scioscia, Brad Ausmus and it makes so much sense. They already have a lot of guys to manage, more than anyone else." His words were supported by many people and prove that there ... Read More
Pirates conclude road trip 1-5 after loss to Royals
In 2014 Pittsburgh Pirates fans were used to giving Edinson Volquez standing ovations. Wednesday night however, it happened at Kauffman Stadium and for the opposing Kansas City Royals following a 5-1 victory. The Pirates and Charlie Morton [6-4] were undone by a four-run seventh inning. In the inning, catcher Salvador Perez led off with a walk. It appeared as though the big inning would be avoided on the next play as Omar Infante's sacrifice bunt attempt was quickly read by Travis Ishikawa ... Read More
Pirates Pregame 7/10: Gerrit Cole discusses the Bucs starting pitching success
35,183 Pittsburgh Pirates fans packed PNC Park hoping to see a victory against the St. Louis Cardinals, however after a 4-1 loss Thursday night left disappointed. The Pirates hope to reverse their fortune while also avoiding the rain, something that has not happened as of late tonight. Tonight Gerrit Cole will face off against Lance Lynn. Cole is making his 18th start of the season and his 12 wins are a major league best total. It was a tale of two starts for Cole in his last start, a win ... Read More
Speed kills: Is a steal more on a pitcher or a catcher?
It all innocently started in Detroit when Tigers manager Brad Ausmus discussed whether pitchers or catchers were more accountable for a stolen base. Ausmus, a catcher for 18 years in Major League Baseball, provided the opinion that it was all on the pitcher. "It’s how much the pitchers vary their holds, delivery time to the plate, how deliberate they are with their delivery," Ausmus said. "There’s all types of things, but base stealers steal off the pitcher.” Accountability on stolen bases is ... Read More
Pirates use fifth inning to rock Cleveland
A five-run fifth inning allowed the Pittsburgh Pirates to win in 5-3 comeback fashion against the Cleveland Indians Sunday afternoon. The win was the 19th comeback win of the season and 14th series win. Pedro Alvarez started the scoring with his 12th home run of the season, a two-run shot. This was his first homer at PNC Park since June 10th. The play also scored Jung Ho Kang who singled to lead off the inning. “That swing right there and getting those two runs gave us a lift, there was ... Read More