Many Pittsburgh Pirates contributed to the team's third consecutive playoff appearance, so it is no wonder why the list for placement when it comes to the most valuable player for 2015 is long. PSN's list will be a three-part series as honorable mention through 6 in this first part, 5-2 in the second part and the best will get their own separate entry. Unfortunately, Ray Searage was not up for consideration, or else this would not have been a contest. Honorable mention Jared Hughes- Hughes ... Read More
Pirates lose in Wild Card again
The crack off Kyle Schwarber's bat made it perfectly clear that the Chicago Cubs meant business in their 4-0 Wednesday night Wild Card game victory the Pirates. His 449-foot home run sailed over the right field seats, completing a dramatic turnaround for Schwarber. A year ago, the Cubs sent Schwarber to the Instructional League. Schwarber and Dexter Fowler, the top two hitters in Wednesday's Cubs lineup had five of the team's six hits with the remainder of the team batting 2-for-32, good ... Read More
Pirates announce roster for Wild Card Game vs. Cubs
With just hours remaining until the Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs meet in the 2015 National League Wild Card Game at PNC Park, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle announced the 25-man roster he will use for the game. The roster includes nine pitchers and three catchers. The roster for tonight's game looks as follows: Catchers: Francisco Cervelli, Chris Stewart, Elias Diaz Infielders: Pedro Alvarez, Neil Walker, Jordy Mercer, Josh Harrison, Aramis Ramirez, Pedro Florimon, Michael ... Read More
Pirates win to secure home field for wild card game
The Pittsburgh Pirates had a chance to control their fate in regards to determining the location of the National League Wild Card game and with a 4-0 win against the Cincinnati Reds Sunday afternoon, will ensure that it is played at PNC Park. “I’m proud of our team regardless of anything else that has gone on," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We won 98 ballgames, we’ve got a home field game in the wild card, everybody in that clubhouse contributed something this season and we’ll look forward to ... Read More
Pirates pregame 10/4: Game 162 has meaning
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been in the driver's seat all week when it comes to hosting the National League Wild Card game, and will be once again this afternoon in Sunday afternoon's contest, the final one of the regular season. With all of today's games being started at or close to the same time, no team has an early advantage of resting players if there is a race for a playoff spot. The Pirates fall in this spot as they lead the Chicago Cubs by one game for the right to host the NL Wild ... Read More
Pirates’ Burnett loses final regular season start
Even the Cincinnati Reds were among those standing for A.J. Burnett as he made his final regular season start. Unfortunately for him, the Pittsburgh Pirates offered little run support in a 3-1 losing effort Saturday night. Burnett's [9-7] ovation came from 34,180 fans, a mark which allowed the Pirates to set a new single-season attendance record. Fans waved Batman flags and begged Burnett for a curtain call which he did. Burnett also acknowledged the Reds dugout as he came off the field. “It ... Read More
Pirates select Cole to start Wild Card Game
In a move that will not surprise many Pittsburgh Pirates fans, manager Clint Hurdle announced Saturday afternoon that Gerrit Cole will be the team's starting pitcher for Wednesday's Wild Card game against the Chicago Cubs. “We pretty much scripted it out when we scripted the entire rotation three weeks ago," Hurdle said. For Cole this will be his first time starting game one of a wild card game, an opportunity he is looking forward to. “It’s special," Cole said. "[Hurdle] continues to ... Read More
Pirates seek to secure home field advantage; Burnett makes final regular season start
A 12 inning 6-4 victory for the Pittsburgh Pirates that a win today or a Chicago Cubs loss, would secure home field advantage for the NL Wild Card Game. With manager Clint Hurdle's announcement that Gerrit Cole will get the Pirates and the Cubs equally slam dunk decision in starting Jake Arrieta for Wednesday's game, the location is one of the few things left to determine. A.J. Burnett hopes to be able to solve the puzzle with his 10th win of the season when he faces Brandon ... Read More
COLUMN: Hurdle to blame for Morton’s struggles
Pittsburgh Pirates manager Clint Hurdle admitted that Wednesday's game was important and handed the ball to Charlie Morton. Whoops. Morton made it through two-plus innings before Hurdle emphatically took him out of the game. Mind you, it was the most emphatic removal I have ever seen. The movement up the step was decisive and so was the long, exaggerated arm point to signal the pitching change. From the beginning, Morton looked tired and over-matched, this after having an additional day ... Read More
Pirates headed to wild card game with loss to Cardinals
Many Pittsburgh Pirates fans had not yet filed in their seats by the time Charlie Morton was removed from the game. A two-plus inning start from Morton ended the Pirates chances of winning the National League Central as they lost 11-1 Wednesday night to the St. Louis Cardinals. “This is a game I want to come in and win," Morton said. "Folks showed up and everyone was excited and I gave it up. It’s just heartbreaking.” Morton [9-9] made his second shortest start of the season behind only ... Read More