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
Three-run homers seal Pirates defeat
Matt Holliday and Kolten Wong each connected for three-run home runs as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates by an 8-5 score Friday night in front of 33,507 fans. “When the other team hits two three run homers, it causes some separation," manager Clint Hurdle said. "It was two of our better games back to back offensively. I definitely don’t think there’s over-trying going on.” The Pirates struck first with a run in the first inning. Gregory Polanco led off the game with ... Read More
Pirates pregame 5/8: Cardinals come to town
The Pittsburgh Pirates conclude their second home stand of the season with a three game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, which begins tonight. In last night's game, the Pirates ended a five game losing streak with a 7-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates recorded 11 hits and all eight position players successfully reached base. A.J. Burnett earned his first victory of the season and also struck out his 2400th career batter. “It’s nice to get a win for sure," Mercer said. ... Read More
Pirates strand 18 runners in extra-inning loss
Jared Hughes got three ground balls, but all three were singles. With Matt Carpenter at the plate, Hughes was unable to get a fourth grounder, instead an opposite field sacrifice fly ended the game. This came in the second consecutive extra-inning 2-1 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals. The loss came in 11 innings. In Friday night's game, the Pirates were unable to provide A.J. Burnett with run support with a Burnett single bringing home one. Liriano pitched eight innings, allowing three ... Read More
Pirates, Melancon lose lead, game in ninth
The Pittsburgh Pirates could not hold an 8-5 lead and Mark Melancon blew his first save of the season falling 9-8 to the Chicago Cubs Tuesday. It was the Cubs that scored first in the top half of the opening inning. Francisco Liriano walked Dexter Fowler and hit Anthony Rizzo with a pitch putting the first two batters on base. Kris Bryant picked back up where he left off Monday with a double that scored Fowler. The Pirates got the run back in the first inning scoring in the frame for the ... Read More
Pirates pregame 4/21: Team faces left-hander for first time
The Pittsburgh Pirates continue its series against the Chicago Cubs tonight at 7:05 p.m. This is the second of four games. Last night the Pirates fell 5-2 due in large part to a three-run seventh inning against Arquimedes Caminero. Tonight’s starters: Starting for the Pirates in this contest is Francisco Liriano [0-1 2.08 ERA]. Liriano is 4-2 with a 2.30 ERA in nine career starts against the Cubs. Liriano went 1-0 with a 1.20 ERA in three starts last season against them. Liriano also has ... Read More
Pirates bats silent in series-clinching loss
Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano threw six innings and surrendered one run. It was not enough. The Pirates offense was held to two hits in a 1-0 loss against the Detroit Tigers Wednesday and losing the three-game series, 2-1. “We’ve got some pitches to hit and get into offensive counts but we haven’t been able to get the at-bat that we need," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Right now, we’ve got work to do on the offensive end.” For the second consecutive game, former ... Read More
Pirates pregame 4/15: Marte returns to lineup; Hurdle reflects on Jackie Robinson
Tonight is the conclusion of the first three game series to be played at PNC Park as the Pittsburgh Pirates [3-5] take on the Detroit Tigers [7-1]. The Pirates won the series opener 5-4 Monday and lost 2-0 Tuesday. Last game out: The Pirates were a part of a three-hit shutout losing 2-0 to the Tigers Tuesday night. Shane Greene and Joakim Soria did not allow a base runner to pass first base in the process. Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus got the win on his 46th birthday despite A.J. Burnett ... Read More
Casey Sadler to start Sunday for Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates rotation depth has been tested in the first week of the 2015 season as Francisco Liriano has been placed on the paternity leave list. Starting in his place on Sunday will be Casey Sadler. Liriano is missing his start as his daughter will be born. Liriano is expected to return to the Pirates and make his next start on Wednesday. This will be the first start in Sadler's major league career. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle weighed his options when determining who would ... Read More
Pirates battle fall short late against Reds
Francisco Liriano allowed two hits in seven innings but came away with a no-decision after a 5-2 Opening Day loss to the Cincinnati Reds. “It’s great for Opening Day to come and it's just as great when it gets by you," Manager Clint Hurdle said to assembled media. "We always are challenged when we see Cueto… We made him pitch that was the one upside. I thought our guys went up there and battled. We showed some resiliency to come back and get two late.” Liriano, who was starting his second ... Read More