Neil Walker leaped and was able to track down a Yadier Molina line drive that looked to be a sure two run double. What followed next was the first 4-5-4 triple play in Major League Baseball history. “That was fun to watch," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I’m not sure [Jung-ho] Kang [was ready for it] at the end, I was just hoping he didn’t flip the ball up into the stands. We got his attention in time to finish it off, there’s a lot of confusion that can go on. Everybody was in there yelling to ... Read More
Pirates drop series to Reds
It took until the bottom of the sixth inning for the Pittsburgh Pirates to get ball out of the infield, as they lost 3-0 Wednesday night to the Cincinnati Reds. In the game, one Pirates player reached third base. This occurred in the aforementioned sixth inning. The Reds scored two runs in the fourth inning and their other in the fifth. Gerrit Cole [4-1] allowed a lead-off triple to Todd Frazier. Frazier was inches away from his second home run to center field. Andrew McCutchen had a bit ... 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
Top 10 Pirates moments of April
The Pittsburgh Pirates have completed its first full month of regular season play and came away with a 12-10 record. Naturally with each team, there are successes and failures, however this month is a definite improvement over last season's 9-14 mark in April. While there were some hitting inconsistencies and Mark Melancon's velocity decline was spotlighted, there was a lot to like, and these are some moments that stuck out. 10. Andrew Lambo Opening Day pinch-hit appearance- The Pirates ... Read More
Cubs early-inning scoring sinks Pirates
For the second time this season, the Chicago Cubs took the opening two games of its series with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Cubs won Tuesday night's game by a 6-2 score. Jeff Locke [2-1] did not make it into the fourth inning. Locke pitched 3.2 innings allowing eight hits, six runs [five earned runs], three walks and five strikeouts. Locke threw 86 pitches and had 53 strikes. The Cubs scored three runs in the third inning off Locke. Addison Russell brought home the first with his third double ... Read More
Cole eclipses seven innings in Pirates win
The Pittsburgh Pirates struck first in a road series against the Arizona Diamondbacks winning 4-1. This is the first road contest following a 10-game home stand, which ties a season high. Pirates starter Gerrit Cole [3-0] earned the win pitching 7.2 innings while allowing seven hits, a run, two walks and seven strikeouts. Cole threw 108 pitches, 78 for strikes - a 72.2 percent strike rate. It was Cole's longest outing since May 7 last season. "He was crisp and his pitch count was in better ... Read More
Polanco’s hit propels Pirates to win
Gregory Polanco had a .170 average batting 15-for-88 against left-handed pitching. That did not matter. “He held his ground, got some good looks, took some pitches," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Basically he got a pitch and just went with it, he didn’t do too much and stayed within himself. It was a really good at-bat.” Polanco's single off Phil Coke provided the go-ahead run in a 5-4 victory against the Chicago Cubs which ensured the Pittsburgh Pirates a series split. “It arguably was ... Read More
Determined Watson saves Pirates win
Tony Watson was asked to make his longest outing of the season as the Pittsburgh Pirates were trying to hold on to a 1-run lead against the Chicago Cubs. Watson ended up getting the job done earning his first save of the season and the Pirates won by a 4-3 score. “It turned into a plan B where he had to go get six outs and he went out and got them," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He’s shown grit, he’s shown ability, he’s shown skill. It was a very gritty performance to get six outs and keep ... 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 undone by seventh inning in loss
All Kris Bryant wanted to do was drive home the runners on base. What happened instead is too complicated to explain in print and sealed the Pittsburgh Pirates fate in a 5-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs. Bryant got the runs home with a double off the bullpen wall in left-center field, scoring Jorge Soler and Anthony Rizzo. Bryant advanced to third base on the throw home which skipped off Francisco Cervelli's glove. Bryant got caught in between third base and home plate and Arquimedes Caminero ... Read More