In his previous start against the Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Chad Kuhl didn't make it past the fifth inning, and, Monday night, Kuhl struggled again against the Cubs. Kuhl (5-4) made a mess of the fourth inning and was unable to see it through, and Chicago won its 100th game of the season with a 12-2 victory. This season, the Cubs are now 13-3 against the Pirates, while the Pirates fall to 37-41 at PNC Park and 32-38 against the National League ... Read More
Marlins top Pirates to sweep weekend series
For a second time this season, Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Ryan Vogelsong was down on the ground after not getting a bunt attempt down. This time the result was not as dramatic as Vogelsong fouled a ball on the bunt and was immediately checked on by head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk and manager Clint Hurdle. "I asked him at the plate if he was good to put it down, and he said he would get it down," Hurdle said. "He's been gritty ever since he's shown up. He's a tough ... Read More
McCutchen powers Pirates’ fifth inning rally
Wednesday afternoon featured a pitching matchup between Ivan Nova and Matt Cain, and the Pittsburgh Pirates (62-56) came away with a 6-5 victory over the San Francisco Giants (66-54) to ensure a series sweep. Pittsburgh's Nova (9-6, 4.83 ERA) pitched well, allowing four runs on six hits in four innings. The former Yankee who the Pirates acquired around the trade deadline threw 62 pitches — and 42 of those were strikes. On the other side, for the Giants, Cain (4-8, 5.81 ERA) looked good early ... Read More
Four-run first not enough for Pirates
The Atlanta Braves own Major League Baseball's worst record, yet it was hard to tell in their 8-4 victory Wednesday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates. In this game, the Pirates were out-hit 15-4, and thus far in the two games this series, the Braves have 25 hits to the Pirates nine. After allowing the Pirates to have a four-run first inning, the Braves scored at least one run in six consecutive frames. Early on it appeared the narrative would be the Pirates victimizing a starting ... Read More
Miller Park a house of horrors for Pirates
It is no secret that the Millwaukee Brewers have dominated the Pittsburgh Pirates at Miller Park in recent years. On paper, the Pirates have the easiest second-half schedule in Major League Baseball, but that includes this series and two more at Miller Park, not to mention several other National League Central opponents with many of these series occurring on the road. The Brewers once again handled the Pirates, this time by a 3-1 score Friday night, spoiling a good outing from Steven ... 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
Pirates bench the difference in win
Pittsburgh Pirates reserve Adam Frazier had seen Philadelphia Phillies reliever Edubray Ramos during the Arizona Fall League baseball season and used this knowledge to his benefit. Frazier was able to hit his first career home run, a solo shot over the Clemente Wall in right field, to help lead the Pirates to the 5-4 win over the Phillies on Sunday. "It was up and in," he said. "I figured he was going up and in with a fastball after missing with two off-speed pitches, so I just tried to ... Read More
Liriano exhibits control, power in win
A day after the Pittsburgh Pirates (49-46) walked nine batters, starting pitcher Francisco Liriano didn't allow any free passes, and three relievers followed his lead to give the team the series win against the Milwaukee Brewers (40-53) after a 5-3 victory Thursday night. Liriano's (4.96 ERA) 13 strikeouts was his highest total since Aug. 19, 2013, against the San Diego Padres. But what remained eye-catching was the fact that Liriano allowed zero walks. This season, Liriano leads all Major ... Read More
Pirates recover from early deficit, defeat A’s 7-3
This game had “loss” written all over it for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates trailed the Oakland Athletics 3-0 through two innings, and Jeff Locke was starting on the mound in a road contest. As good as Locke has been at home — posting a 2.96 ERA — he's struggled mightily on the road; he has a 7.36 ERA (36 earned runs allowed in 44-plus inning pitched) to show for it. And, tonight, after three innings Locke was already at 72 pitches. It had the makings of a short outing. But, after a ... Read More
Backend relievers provide needed stability in Pirates’ 8-6 win over Dodgers
It's approaching five years since the infamous game that gave baseball fans the phrase, “Jerry Meals says it's safe.” The play happened in the 19th inning where it appeared that then-Pirates catcher Michael McKenry clearly tagged the Atlanta Braves' runner out. But Meals, the umpire, disagreed. Ever since, Meals hasn't been a welcome name to Pirates fans, who boo him each time public address announcer Tim DeBacco says Meals' name.But, Friday night, those same Pirates fans couldn't help but ... Read More