Andrew McCutchen did not want to see his Pittsburgh Pirates get swept by the Minnesota Twins, so he took matters into his own hands. His eighth inning home run tied the game and eventually sent the game in to extra innings. On a night where the Pittsburgh Steelers trademark song Renegade was played in a tribute to Troy Polamalu, the Pirates pulled off their version of a fourth-quarter comeback but fell in overtime, by a 4-3 score in the 13th inning. “You keep trying to find a way to ... Read More
Pirates pregame 5/20: Mercer back in lineup, Polanco gets day off
The Pittsburgh Pirates will look to earn a split in their two-game series against the Minnesota Twins tonight. An 8-5 victory was a result in favor of the Twins in last night's game. Francisco Liriano pitched two innings and allowed seven runs. The Pirates attempted to rally, however they stranded 10 base runners which limited the damage they could cause. Pedro Alvarez connected for his seventh home run of the season, a homer that ended up being the third ball to land in the Allegheny ... Read More
Pirates recall OF Jose Tabata
The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a move at the start of their third home stand of the season, calling up outfielder Jose Tabata and sending down relief pitcher Wilfredo Boscan. “I’m really happy to be here again and I’ve got to continue playing like I played in Indianapolis and see what happens," Tabata said. The Pirates made a 40-man roster spot available for Tabata by moving infielder Justin Sellers from the 15 to 60 day disabled list. “What he set out to do was go back to Triple-A ... Read More
Pirates fall to Phillies; earn series split
The Pittsburgh Pirates had high hopes in their series against the Philadelphia Phillies after winning the first two of a four-game series. Instead, they will fly into Chicago on a two-game losing streak after a 4-2 loss Thursday afternoon. “We had a chance to win a series and we were unable do that. We’ve got work to do," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We’ve got to work on consistency.” Vance Worley [2-3] made his second career start against the Phillies, his former team and did not make it ... Read More
Pirates pregame 5/13: Rodriguez, Hart back in lineup; Taillon comeback
The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking for their second five game winning streak this season which would happen if the team defeats the Philadelphia Phillies tonight. Last night, the Pirates won 7-2 at Citizens Bank Park. Josh Harrison and Andrew McCutchen each hit their third home runs in the victory. McCutchen had not hit a home run in a month, which spanned 98 at-bats. Harrison had gone 62 at-bats without a homer and it was the first three run home run of his career. Tonight’s starters ... Read More
Harrison, McCutchen break droughts in Pirates win
Josh Harrison entered the fourth inning of Tuesday's game without a home run in 62 at-bats and without an RBI in 10 days. Both of these streaks changed. With two runners on base, Harrison swung on the first pitch he saw from Sean O'Sullivan [0-2] and placed it in the left field seats. His and Andrew McCutchen's third homers of the season allowed the Pittsburgh Pirates to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies by a 7-2 score. The third inning started when Starling Marte was hit by a pitch and ... Read More
Marte homer allows Pirates to win series opener
Gerrit Cole needed 20 pitches to get out of the first inning, however both he and the Pittsburgh Pirates were able to settle down and earn a 4-3 road victory Monday night against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies scored in the first inning when three consecutive batters reached base. Cole got the first two outs before Chase Utley was walked on four pitches. Ryan Howard followed with a single to right field. Grady Sizemore then connected for another single which scored Utley. Cole ... Read More
Pirates pregame 5/11: LaFromboise joins team; Kang’s leg kick
The Pittsburgh Pirates return to the road for a three game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. This is the first time the Pirates face a National League East team this season. Tonight’s starters The Pirates will send Gerrit Cole [4-1 2.27 ERA] to the mound against Jerome Williams [2-2 5.18 ERA]. Cole is 1-1 with a 2.61 ERA in two career starts against the Phillies. Cole is coming off his first loss in nine outings after allowing three runs on eight hits as part of his five innings of ... Read More
Pirates win series behind Kang’s bat
Jung-ho Kang accounted for two Pirates runs including the game-winning run as part of a 4-3 Mother's Day victory in front of 34,036 fans. “We feel we’re playing better baseball," manager Clint Hurdle said. "That's what we’ve talked about and that’s where our focus needs to stay. We’re definitely competing in the batter’s box which gives you more opportunities throughout the game.” The Pirates struck first for a fourth game in a row. Kang recorded a one out home run over the left field ... Read More
Rob Scahill overcoming mental hurdles
Yogi Berra once started a famous quote by saying that 90 percent of the game was mental. This is something Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Rob Scahill can certainly relate to. "Physically the tools were always there, mentally I had to get over a hump," Scahill said. "I think I’m getting to the top of that mental hump and trying to get over it.” Scahill has translated this into success to the tune of one earned run allowed in 13.1 innings of work, good for a 0.68 ERA. "He’s pitched all ... Read More