Charlie Morton came into Thursday night's game against the San Francisco Giants having not lost a game since July 22, and after a 4-0 victory, that streak continued. “I think we’re watching Charlie develop into more of a complete pitcher with a sinker ball rather than a single ball pitcher," manager Clint Hurdle said. The Pirates are now a season-high 25 games over .500. Morton [8-4] used his off-speed pitches to overwhelm the Giants offense. Unlike previous games, this start was not so ... Read More
Pirates pregame 8/20: Morton works on confidence
Earlier in the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates swept a road series against the San Francisco Giants. The Pirates hope to do the same in a four-game series that begins tonight. In tonight’s game, Charlie Morton [7-4 4.36 ERA] takes on Jake Peavy [3-5 4.18 ERA]. Morton is 3-4 with a 2.84 ERA in 11 career starts against the Giants. In his last start Morton earned a no-decision allowing three runs [two earned] on four hits in 6.4 innings against the New York Mets. Morton's journey this ... Read More
Pirates continue extra-inning win streak
It took extra innings, however the Pittsburgh Pirates scored two runs to defeat the New York Mets by a 3-2 score in 10 innings Friday night. The Pirates are the first National League opponent to defeat the Mets in a game since July 30 [San Diego Padres]. Additionally the Pirates have won their past six extra inning games. The team is also 19-8 against National League East opponents. J.A. Happ told media throughout last homestand that he looked forward to getting the ball again and showing ... Read More
Pirates lose as Locke falters in fifth
The Pittsburgh Pirates fell six games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central following a 4-3 loss Tuesday night. This loss pushed the Pirates to 6-17 on the road this season against NL Central opponents. Jeff Locke [6-7] allowed the leadoff hitter to reach base four innings out of five however, it was the fifth inning that was his undoing. Locke walked the first two batters he faced and then after a mound visit Jason Heyward hit a single to put the Cardinals ... Read More
Pirates pregame 8/7: Cole faces Kershaw; Hughes is a metal head
A nationally televised audience is in for a treat as Gerrit Cole will face Clayton Kershaw on ESPN tonight in the first game of the season between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers. Cole [14-5 2.29 ERA] leads the major leagues in wins and since Sept. 7 has a 2.43 ERA and 170.1 innings pitched. He is 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two career starts against the Dodgers. He lost in his last start against the Cincinnati Reds and allowed three runs [two earned] in five innings. Cole has a 1-2 ... Read More
Pirates contained by Arrieta in loss
Two hits and five base runners. That was the Pittsburgh Pirates offense managed Tuesday night against Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Jake Arrieta in a 5-0 loss. The Pirates were not able to move runners when they were on base as they grounded into inning ending double plays in both the fourth and fifth innings. This was accomplished once again in the eighth inning against Tommy Hunter. "Yeah we scattered a lot of hits out there but tonight it's all about the starting pitcher," Cubs manager ... Read More
Burnett season, career not over
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher A.J. Burnett will not see his career cut short by injury. Jon Morosi of Fox Sports has reported that the right-handed pitcher has a strained flexor tendon and his UCL is intact. “Anytime you’re not on the field it’s frustrating, but of all of the news that came this was the most positive," Burnett said. "I did a PRP shot today after the MRI and we’ll go from there. It’s a matter of resting and healing. We’re shooting for four weeks and waiting for the pain to go ... Read More
Defense shines in Pirates victory
Joakim Soria was making his Pittsburgh Pirates debut and loaded the bases while loading the bases. He then fell behind Brayan Pena 3-0 before making hard contact on a 3-1 offering. The Cincinnati Reds appeared poise to tie or lead the game on the play, however Soria stuck his glove out and ended the inning to Pena's surprise. Following a 10-run loss Thursday, the Pirates came back and tied the four-game series with a 5-4 victory. The Pirates finish the month at a National League best 17-9 ... Read More
Pirates pregame 7/25: Ramirez to bat cleanup; Caminero looks to improve
Though Aramis Ramirez has been much of the talk of late, the Pittsburgh Pirates have been able to win its first two games of its four-game series against the Washington Nationals. The Pirates won the two games by scores of 7-3 and 7-5. “Any time we win it’s what we’re looking for," Jared Hughes said. "These last couple of games have been nice because we’ve won. It’s time to keep that positive momentum going and continue to win.” Tonight A.J. Burnett will face Gio Gonzalez. Burnett ... Read More
Ramirez excited to be back with Pirates
Almost 12 years to the day Aramis Ramirez was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Chicago Cubs, the third baseman came back to town wearing the familiar P and black and gold jersey. The Pirates acquired Ramirez and cash considerations from the Milwaukee Brewers Thursday in exchange for Yhonathan Barrios. “This is a good situation," Ramirez said. "I’ve played my whole career in the [NL] Central, I’m familiar with the teams, the pitching and this is a pretty good team.” Ramirez did ... Read More