When five consecutive batters reached base in the fourth inning, it seemed like Saturday night's game could be big for the Pittsburgh Pirates (52-50). But the opportunity was squandered, and only one baserunner scored. As such, manager Clint Hurdle couldn't even force a smile in a 5-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers (46-56). Even the play where the run scored, a Jung Ho Kang single, didn't have the desired impact as Starling Marte was thrown out at third base. This came after Marte was also ... Read More
Liriano has short night in Pirates’ 7-4 loss to Mariners
Francisco Liriano didn't have his best stuff Tuesday night. Even despite a second inning solo home run from the Pittsburgh Pirates' (51-48) starting pitcher that gave his team a 4-1 lead, the veteran couldn't secure a win. And, instead, Liriano's outing tied for his shortest ever in the Pirates' 7-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners (51-48). Liriano lasted only 3.1 innings, giving up eight hits and all seven runs, elevating his ERA from 4.96 to 5.38. From the beginning, Liriano showed signs ... Read More
Injuries and a birthday set stage for Saturday’s Pirates game
After a big comeback win Friday against the Chicago Cubs, the Pittsburgh Pirates hope there's another win in store when they take on the Cubs for the second game of the series. Saturday, Pirates rookie Chad Kuhl (1-0. 4.09 ERA) will face Chicago's Jon Lester (9-4, 2.67 ERA). The game will be Kuhl's third career Major League start. In his first, he defeated Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw; Kuhl tossed five innings and allowed three runs. In his most recent start, Kuhl battled ... Read More
Midseason Report Card: Pirates’ offense shines, pitching struggles
When Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker — and their combined 43 home runs — departed last off-season, the Pittsburgh Pirates decided to make up for the lost power with a high on-base approach. Their replacements, John Jaso and Josh Harrison, fit that mold. Before the start of the 2016 season, Pittsburgh was also hoping Starling Marte would continue his surge to stardom, while Gregory Polanco was expected to break out and show why he was a former top prospect. David Freese was signed as a temporary ... Read More
Glasnow looks strong in MLB debut, Pirates unable to beat Cardinals
The Tyler Glasnow Era got off to a solid start Thursday afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium — albeit in a 5-2 loss. Glasnow, in his first MLB start, went toe-to-toe with Cardinal ace Adam Wainwright in a pitcher's duel that saw the rookie go five-and-one-third innings before turning the reins over to reliever Arquimedes Caminero. A three-run homer by Stephen Piscotty off Caminero sealed Glasnow's fate. The rookie right-hander would end up allowing four runs on three ... Read More
Where does Glasnow’s debut rank among other Pirates?
The Triple-A Indianapolis Indians rotation takeover is in full effect in Pittsburgh. According to ESPN's Buster Olney, Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Tyler Glasnow is expected to make his major league debut tomorrow afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Glasnow, a fifth-round draft pick in 2011 by the Pirates, has had a ton of hype while pitching in the minor leagues. However, in regards to buzz surrounding a debut, where does Glasnow's highly anticipated first major ... Read More
Melancon named to NL All-Star team
The MLB All-Star teams were announced Tuesday night, and closer Mark Melancon will be the lone representative for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The last time the Pirates had one representative was 2010 when relief pitcher Evan Meek represented the team. Last year, the Pirates had four representatives in pitchers A.J. Burnett, Gerrit Cole, Melancon and center fielder Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen had been a Pirates representative for four consecutive years, but below average offensive numbers ended ... Read More
Pirates take opening game against Cardinals, place Taillon on DL
Prior to Monday afternoon's game, it was unclear if Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco would have the chance to be in the starting lineup. By game's end, the answer was fairly clear. Polanco homered twice in a 4-2 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. His first home run gave the Pirates a 2-1 advantage and came in the sixth inning off Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez. John Jaso, who doubled to lead off the inning, also scored on the play. The second homer came in ... Read More
Another come-from-behind win gives Pirates series vs. A’s
It was a game that mirrored Friday night's game, and, though Saturday's game took longer to determine a winner, the outcome was the same: a Pittsburgh Pirates win over the Oakland Athletics. Although, tonight, the final score was 4-2, and it took 10 innings. Tonight's win means the Pirates are now 4-4 on the season in extra inning games and have won two of their past three series (after dropping four in a row); this is the first time the Pirates have won a road series since a trip to St. ... Read More
Niese’s miscues costly in Pirates’ loss
The Pittsburgh Pirates' reaction to Tuesday night's 5-2 loss to the Seattle Mariners can best be summarized by something simple: a hung head. Pittsburgh starter Jon Niese hung his head after Seattle's Nelson Cruz hit a towering home run, the 19th homer the Pirates starter surrendered this season. Cruz's ball stayed just fair, flirting with the left field foul pole and giving Cruz 20 home runs for the eighth consecutive ... Read More