Tony Watson had a rare bad inning and Justin Wilson allowed a walk-off double as the Pirates fell to the Nationals 4-3 on Saturday night. Watson entered the eighth inning with the Pirates leading 3-0 after a strong 5 2/3 innings from starter Jeff Locke. Things then went downhill as the Nationals (68-53) got a leadoff walk and two singles to make it 3-1. Watson then got Anthony Rendon to ground into a double play and seemed to have things under control, but Adam LaRoche followed with a two-run ... Read More
Pirates bats awaken in 11-6 rout of Detroit
The Pirates scored eight times in the first two frames to help them to a 11-6 series-opening victory over the Tigers on Monday night. The Pirates (63-55) got to work immediately against Tigers starter Justin Verlander. Josh Harrison led the inning off with a single and advanced to second on a fielding error by center fielder Rajai Davis. Gregory Polanco and Ike Davis followed with one out walks to load the bases and Starling Marte cleared them with a triple down the left field line. Travis ... Read More
Locke shuts down Marlins in Pirates 7-3 win
Jeff Locke went seven strong innings and the bullpen did it's job as the Pirates defeated the Marlins 7-3 on Wednesday night. Locke had a rough start to his night against the Marlins (55-58) allowing a run on three hits in the first capped by a Jeff Baker RBI infield single and two more runs in the second on a Christian Yelich 2-run home run. From there, Locke shut things down allowing one hit over his final five innings of work while striking out four. Locke retired the final 13 batters he ... Read More
Rockies handle Pirates again 8-1
For the second straight night, the Colorado Rockies handled the Pirates easily at Coors Field 8-1 on Saturday night. The Rockies (43-60) got to Pirates starter Jeff Locke for six runs over 6 2/3 innings. They started things in the third when Charlie Blackmon reached and advanced to second on a Jordy Mercer throwing error. Josh Rutledge followed with a RBI single. Drew Stubbs added on in the fourth with a solo home run to left field. The two Rockies runs would be enough as the Pirates ... Read More
Pirates bullpen blows another game
Tony Watson allowed an uncharacteristic three runs in relief allowing the Reds to comeback from down 5-1 to beat the Pirates 6-5 on Friday night. The Pirates (48-45) were able to jump on Reds starter Matt Latos in the fourth inning. With one out, Andrew McCutchen deposited his 15th home run of the season into the right-center seats to tie things at one. Three batters later, Pedro Alvarez matched McCutchen with his 15th -- a three run shot to right -- to give the Bucs a 4-1 lead. Russell ... Read More
Robin Bests Batman as Pirates Sweep Phillies
Jeff Locke and A.J. Burnett gave the crowd of 33,403 at PNC Park exactly what they wanted. A pitchers duel as Locke and the Pirates bested his mentor and the Phillies 6-2 on Sunday afternoon. Locke was stellar once again allowing two runs (one earned) over eight innings allowing only three hits. The Phillies (37-51) got on the board in the first with two out. Jimmy Rollins reached and advanced to second on a Pedro Alvarez throwing error into the stands. Marlon Byrd followed with a RBI ... Read More
Burnett Excited to Face Locke on Sunday
A.J. Burnett hasn't stepped onto the mound at PNC Park since September 21, 2013 (7 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER in 4-2 W vs. CIN). He will get the chance on Sunday afternoon to come back to that mound, only this time as a member of the Philadelphia Phillies. He will also be opposing the man that looked up to him during his time as a Pirate in Jeff Locke. "It's good to come back," said Burnett. "We stayed downtown and I got to walk around a little bit with Locke, my nemesis for Sunday, but it's always ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 7/1: Hurdle Discusses Locke’s Success, Pedro’s Inconsistency
Good afternoon from PNC Park where today the Pirates (42-40) begin a three-game set with the Arizona Diamondbacks (35-49). Jeff Locke (1-1, 3.74 ERA) will oppose Wade Miley (3-6, 4.78 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On Locke's effectiveness as of late: "He's thrown more strikes. His command is in a better place than it was last last season. More leverage counts in his favor and that has been the biggest thing. You look at the walks-to-strikeout total base and compare it to anytime last year at any time. ... Read More
Pirates Hold Off Rays 6-5
Jeff Locke took a strong start into the eighth inning as the Pirates defeated the Rays 6-5 to at least earn a road series victory. Locke was given a good cushion before allowing his first run of the game as the Pirates (39-38) led 4-0 after three innings. Andrew McCutchen started the scoring in the first with a RBI groundout. Cutch helped add to the lead in the third. Starling Marte and McCutchen recorded RBI singles and Neil Walker -- in his first game off of the DL -- hit a sac fly. Locke ... Read More
Pirates Salvage a Game From Reds in Extras
Pittsburgh-- Russell Martin worked a bases loaded walk in the twelfth inning as the Pirates played walk-off to salvage a game from the Reds 4-3. Jeff Locke played the role of stopper for the Pirates (35-37) as he allowed two runs on three hits in six strong innings of work. The Reds (35-36) got a run in the first when Billy Hamilton again hurt the Bucs with a leadoff double. He then stole third and scored on a sacrifice fly. They did the same in the fourth when Joey Votto started the inning ... Read More