Good afternoon from PNC Park where tonight the Pirates (8-8) look to take at least a split of the series from the Brewers (11-5) in game 2 of the four-game set. Charlie Morton (0-1, 3.32 ERA) looks for win #1 against Kyle Lohse (2-1, 3.05 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On Russell Martin batting in the second spot -- "He his second probably more than everybody in Spring Training. Every game till the last week he hit second and I started it off just because I wanted to give him the extra at bat early ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 4/4: Lineups, Hurdle Talks Cole, Cardinals Rivalry
Good afternoon from a rainy PNC Park where tonight the Pirates (2-1) will begin a 3-game series with the defending NL Champion, St. Louis Cardinals (2-1) in a rematch from last year's NLDS. Gerrit Cole (10-7, 3.22 ERA in 2013) will take the hill for the Bucs and will oppose Shelby Miller (15-9, 3.06 ERA in 2013). Hurdle's Quotes On the competitiveness of the Pirates and Cardinals when they face each other -- "Last year, we were 12 and 12 at the end and they won the biggest one which was the ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 4/3: Lineups, Hurdle Discusses Wandy, Sanchez’s Walk-Off
The Pirates (2-0) look to complete an opening series sweep against the Chicago Cubs (0-2) this afternoon at PNC Park (Weather Permitting). Wandy Rodriguez (6-4, 3.59 ERA in 2013) will face Jason Hammel (7-8, 4.97 ERA in 2013). Hurdle's Quotes On Wandy making his first start reg. season since his injury: We're going to run him out there and he's been in a good place all spring. Every building block he needed to take care of, he was able to take care of throughout March. This will be the next ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 4/2: Hurdle Discusses First Base Platoon, Replay System
Good afternoon from PNC Park where tonight the Pirates (1-0) take on the Cubs (0-1) in game 2 of the opening series of the 2014 campaign. Charlie Morton (7-4, 3.26 ERA in 2013) will make his first start of the season and will face Edwin Jackson (8-18, 4.98 ERA in 2013). Hurdle's Quotes On the platoon situation at first base: "It won't be a cookie cutter platoon. I do believe there's better match-up opportunities for Gaby than this particular one today. Based on the spring he had last year, ... Read More
Baseball is Back in the Burgh
One couldn't ask for a better day for Opening Day 2014 as blue skies and springtime temperatures ascended on PNC Park on Monday. It was a welcome sight to fans, but an even better sight to the Pirate players as they have some unfinished business after last seasons Game 5 defeat to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS. "I believe we're better prepared," said manager, Clint Hurdle. "I believe we're better experienced. I believe the skill-sets have every opportunity to play out and play longer than ... Read More
Francisco Liriano Named Opening Day Starter
Clint Hurdle took no time in announcing his opening day starters he has given Francisco Liriano the honor on the first full day of spring training workouts. Liriano, last years NL Comeback Player of the Year, had a stellar 2013 posting a 16 - 8 record in 26 games with a 3.02 ERA and 163 strikeouts in 161 innings of work. His ERA would have been in the mid-two's had he not have given up 10 runs in Colorado and 7 runs in Milwaukee which dropped him out of Cy Young consideration. He finished ninth ... Read More
Hurdle Earns Chuck Tanner MLB Manager Of The Year Award
The Rotary Club of Pittsburgh has announced Clint Hurdle is the winner of its 7th Annual Chuck Tanner Major League Baseball Manager of the Year Award. Each year, the Pittsburgh Rotary Club holds its Chuck Tanner MLB Baseball Manger of the Year Awards Banquet in Pittsburgh. The highlight of the event is the presentation of the Chuck Tanner MLB Manager of the Year Award as selected by a distinguished group of baseball professionals from around the country. Previous winners of the Chuck Tanner MLB ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: Burnett Looks to Bounce Back Bucs
Follow @TBerardi_OVA The Pirates (88 - 66) look to bounce back after another stunning loss to the Reds (88 - 66). A.J. Burnett (8 - 11, 3.43 ERA) faces Homer Bailey (11 - 10, 3.40 ERA) Leading Off With five games remaining between the Pirates and Reds, the season series stands at 7 - 7. If neither can catch the Cardinals, the winner of the season series will host the wild card game. Hurdle's Quotes On having a guy like A.J. Burnett pitch in a bounce back game after a tough loss -- "He's ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: The Postseason Begins Tonight
Follow @TBerardi_OVA The Pirates (88 - 65) open up a crucial 3-game set against the Reds (87 - 66) to close out the home portion of the 2013 regular season. Francisco Liriano (16 - 7, 2.92 ERA) faces Matt Latos (14 - 6, 3.14 ERA) Leading Off With nine games remaining, the Pirates trail the Cardinals by one game in the NL Central race. Their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 4, meaning they could clinch as early as tomorrow night. Hurdle's Quotes On Neil Walker's hot bat as of late ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: Hurdle Talks Playoff Roster Competition, Extra Wild Card Spot
Follow @TBerardi_OVA The Pirates (87 - 63) look to bounce back after yesterdays one-hitter against the Padres (69 - 80). Jeff Locke (10 - 5, 3.14 ERA) will take on Eric Stults (8 - 13, 4.03 ERA). Leading Off Starling Marte is starting in left field and batting first. It's the first time since Marte has gone on the DL that he's started. "We're a much more dynamic team with him in left field," Hurdle said. Hurdle's Quotes On if there's a competition for playoff roster spots -- "There ... Read More