Predictably, prospect Josh Bell and pitcher Gerrit Cole were popular topics when Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington spoke to media Sunday. Below are some highlights of said press conference. On whether Bell's promotion had been planned or was in reaction to Kang's injury: “David Freese is now going to be the third baseman, and that opens up some at-bats at first base. Clint will make the decision on a daily basis with what gives him the best lineup to win that night. We ... Read More
Back-and-forth game vs. Marlins doesn’t end Pirates’ way
Reliever Felipe Rivero hadn't allowed a run in 8.2 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates (62-57), but that all changed Friday night. Up 5-3 heading into eighth inning, Rivero gave up a home run to the Miami Marlins' Miguel Rojas and a game-tying RBI single to Christian Yelich. An inning later, Robert Andino hit an RBI single off Pittsburgh reliever Neftali Feliz that proved to be the game-winning run. The Marlins (63-59) won the game, 6-5. It was a back-and-forth game, one the Pirates were ... Read More
Cole struggles as Dodgers top Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates tied a club record in Saturday afternoon's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers (65-51). Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, it was the record for most men left on base (18), and the Pirates (58-56) lost 8-4 to a team that's where they want to be, in the Wild Card race. Additionally, the Pirates were 1-14 with men in scoring position. It was a night to forget for starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (7-8, 3.25 ERA, 1.33 WHIP), who gave up a season-high 12 hits in 4.1 innings of ... Read More
Hamilton dazzles as Reds avoid sweep
Prior to Sunday afternoon's Pittsburgh Pirates game against the Cincinnati Reds, manager Clint Hurdle pledged the team was trying new things, which made it so Billy Hamilton would not be as potent on the bases. The result? Four stolen bases (giving him a major league leading 43) and five total thefts from the Reds. "We weren't where we needed to be, and that's my responsibility," Hurdle said. "End it right there. It's my responsibility to take care of that and at the end of the day when ... Read More
Pirates looking for series sweep
Following two wins this weekend over the Cincinnati Reds, the Pittsburgh Pirates will look for a sweep this afternoon against the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates have gone 5-0-1 in their last six series at PNC Park and will send Gerrit Cole (7-6, 2.73 ERA) to the mound against Dan Straily (6-6, 3.80 ERA). Cole has not fared well against the Reds in his career posting an 0-5 record with a 5.30 ERA in seven career starts against the Reds. This season he is 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in one ... Read More
Four-run sixth highlights Pirates’ win vs. Braves
A day after the Pittsburgh Pirates made some tough decisions at the trade deadline, the team gave fans something to cheer for. For the first time since last Wednesday, the Pirates (53-51) found themselves in the win column with a 5-3 road victory Tuesday night against the Atlanta Braves (37-69). Tony Watson made his debut as the Pirates' closer and pitched a scoreless inning to earn his first save since April 22, 2015 (and his sixth career save). He struck out one batter and walked another ... Read More
Pirates swept again in Milwaukee
There was more to Sunday afternoon's 4-2 loss by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Milwaukee Brewers. Not only were the Pirates swept this weekend, but they never had a lead at any point. Additionally, the Pirates have lost nine straight contests to the Brewers at Miller Park and are 17-64 there since the 2007 season. In each of the three games this series, the Brewers scored first. Friday and Saturday, the Brewers hit two-run home runs in the opening inning, but this time the run was ... Read More
MLB Trade Rumors: What should Pirates do at trade deadline?
The 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates (52-48) find themselves in a tough position with the trade deadline fast approaching and the team's position in the standings a bit different than in the past three years. Currently, the Pirates are third in the NL Central and trail the division-leading Chicago Cubs by 8.5 games; Pittsburgh is an additional two games out of making the playoffs as a wild card. So, at the trade deadline, should the Pirates be buyers or sellers — or should they simply stand ... Read More
Column: Pirates put together a true complete game
Normally when a complete game is thrown, this emphasis and honor is thrown on a pitcher. but on this particular Wednesday night, there was more to it than the effort Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole put forth. That is not to say Cole should not be commended for his efforts on this night, because he should, but he was certainly the beneficiary of some good offense and defense in a 10-1 victory over the Seattle Mariners. After all, in this day and age where pitch counts, ... Read More
Phillies’ Eflin limits contact in Pirates’ 4-0 loss
The Pittsburgh Pirates met their match Friday night in Philadelphia Phillies 22-year-old rookie pitcher Zach Eflin, who is known for his ability to pitch to contact. As he pitched, the Pirates exhibited little contact, and Eflin recorded his second career complete game as the Phillies shut out the Pirates, 4-0. Eflin (3-3, 3.40 ERA, 1.05 WHIP) threw exactly 100 pitches and allowed only three hits on the night. He got eight ground ball outs and five flyball outs in addition to six ... Read More