Follow @TBerardi_OVA A.J. Burnett followed Liriano's strong start with one of his own, but this time the Pirates held on to their lead for a pivotal 4 - 2 victory over the Reds on Saturday night. For the second time in this series, the Reds struck in the first when Brandon Phillips singled and scored on a Ryan Ludwick RBI single. That single would put runners on first and second with one out, but Burnett would induce an inning-ending double play to get out of the jam. The other run he gave ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: Burnett Looks to Bounce Back Bucs
Follow @TBerardi_OVA The Pirates (88 - 66) look to bounce back after another stunning loss to the Reds (88 - 66). A.J. Burnett (8 - 11, 3.43 ERA) faces Homer Bailey (11 - 10, 3.40 ERA) Leading Off With five games remaining between the Pirates and Reds, the season series stands at 7 - 7. If neither can catch the Cardinals, the winner of the season series will host the wild card game. Hurdle's Quotes On having a guy like A.J. Burnett pitch in a bounce back game after a tough loss -- "He's ... Read More
Pirates Blow Ninth Inning Lead, Lose in 10
The Reds scored three unearned runs in the ninth off of Mark Melancon following a Jordy Mercer throwing error and one in the tenth to stun the Pirates and their sellout crowd 6 - 5 on Friday night. The loss erased an amazing performance by Francisco Liriano, who threw eight innings of two-run, three-hit ball while striking out seven. "I felt fine," said Liriano. "I was locating my pitches where I wanted to and made some adjustments on my pitches and put us in position to win the ball game. ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: The Postseason Begins Tonight
Follow @TBerardi_OVA The Pirates (88 - 65) open up a crucial 3-game set against the Reds (87 - 66) to close out the home portion of the 2013 regular season. Francisco Liriano (16 - 7, 2.92 ERA) faces Matt Latos (14 - 6, 3.14 ERA) Leading Off With nine games remaining, the Pirates trail the Cardinals by one game in the NL Central race. Their magic number to clinch a playoff spot is 4, meaning they could clinch as early as tomorrow night. Hurdle's Quotes On Neil Walker's hot bat as of late ... Read More
Cole Plays Stopper in Pirates 10 – 1 Victory
Follow @TBerardi_OVA The Pirates got a phenomenal start by Gerrit Cole and used a five run fourth inning, which included two homers, to propel them to a 6 - 1 victory over the Padres on Thursday afternoon. Cole had his usual rough start to the game as he allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out two. The inning was highlighted by a Chase Headley RBI groundout putting the Padres on the board first for the fourth straight day. Cole would shut down the Padre offense after that, allowing ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: Hurdle Talks Playoff Roster Competition, Extra Wild Card Spot
Follow @TBerardi_OVA The Pirates (87 - 63) look to bounce back after yesterdays one-hitter against the Padres (69 - 80). Jeff Locke (10 - 5, 3.14 ERA) will take on Eric Stults (8 - 13, 4.03 ERA). Leading Off Starling Marte is starting in left field and batting first. It's the first time since Marte has gone on the DL that he's started. "We're a much more dynamic team with him in left field," Hurdle said. Hurdle's Quotes On if there's a competition for playoff roster spots -- "There ... Read More
Liriano Throws 6 Innings Of No-Hit Ball, Pirates Win 3 – 2
Francisco Liriano took a no-hitter into the seventh inning before allowing three straight hits, one being a game-tying homer to Wellington Castillo, but Justin Morneau backed him up with a RBI single in the 8th, propelling the Pirates to a 3 - 2 series-clinching victory on Sunday afternoon. Liriano dominated the Cubs offense through six innings while walking four. He did encounter a jam in the sixth without surrendering a hit. He walked Cubs pitcher, Travis Wood to lead off the inning. Wood ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: Wandy Shut Down, Hurdle Talks Grilli Bounceback
The Pirates (85 - 62) look to rebound after last night's tough loss against the Cubs (63 - 84) in the third game of this four-game set. Gerrit Cole (7 - 7, 3.48 ERA) opposes Scott Baker (0 - 0, 0.00 ERA). Leading Off Wandy Rodriguez has been shut down for the remainder of the 2013 season by the Pirates. Rodriguez hasn't pitched since June 5th when he left in the first inning in Atlanta. He had a 6 - 4 record with a 2.59 ERA in 12 starts while striking out 46 and walking 12. The Pirates look to ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: Hurdle Applauds Fans, Gives Marte Update
The Pirates (85 - 61) are back in a tie for first in the NL Central and looking for sole possession as they take on the Cubs (62 - 84). Charlie Morton (7 - 4, 3.44 ERA) will oppose Jake Arrieta (2 - 2, 4.28 ERA). Leading Off The Pirates established a new PNC Park record with 46 wins at home this season, eclipsing the 45 - 36 record from 2012. The last three years in which the Pirates won more than 46 home games, they won the division title (1990-1992). Hurdle's Quotes On the multiple ... Read More
Pirates Release 2014 Schedule
The Pittsburgh Pirates today announced their 2014 regular season schedule, which will feature interleague play with the American League East, including home games with the Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles and Boston Red Sox. The interleague schedule also includes a home-and-home series with Pirates’ interleague rivals the Detroit Tigers as the Bucs are slated to host the Tigers for two games on August 11 and 12 and visit Comerica on August 13 and 14. For the third consecutive season ... Read More