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
Alvarez Homer Pushes Pirates Past Mets 5-2
Pittsburgh-- Pedro Alvarez continues to heat up as the slugger went 2-for-4 with a double, home run and three RBI and Edinson Volquez threw six shutout innings as the Pirates defeated the Mets 5-2 on Sunday afternoon to take the four-game series. The Pirate offense, led by Alvarez, managed to produce more offense in the games first four batters against Bartolo Colon than their whole outing against him last time out as they quickly put two runs on the board. Starling Marte singled with one out ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 6/29: Hurdle Discusses His Team at the Midway Point
Good morning from PNC Park where today the Pirates (41-40) look to take the series against the Mets (37-44). Edinson Volquez (5-6, 4.35 ERA) faces Bartolo Colon (8-5, 3.67 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On his team at the midway point: "I look at the volume of play, the way we've been playing baseball and we've had a solid month of June. We played better in May. We're playing better now. We just got to keep working, get a little bit better everyday. Rotation needs to keep giving us the innings we need ... Read More
Cole Struggles in Return from DL
Gerrit Cole's return from the DL didn't go as planned as the Mets jumped all over him for five runs in four innings of work as New York defeated the Pirates 5-3 on Saturday afternoon. Velocity wasn't a problem for Cole, who threw between 95-97 with the fastball, but his location of pitches did hurt him as the Mets put five runs and five hits on the board through two innings. All runs were scored with two outs. Cole was able to get through the third and fourth innings without allowing ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 6/28: Hurdle Discusses Frieri Arrival, Cole Start
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (41-39) take on the Mets (36-44) in the third game of a four-game set. Gerrit Cole (6-3, 3.64 ERA) will be making his first start since being reinstated from the DL and will face Jonathon Niese (4-4, 2.78 ERA). -- To make room for Cole on the active roster, Brandon Cumpton has been optioned to AAA Indianapolis. "You have no need to hang your head," manager Clint Hurdle said. "Guys are going to hug you and tell you great job and they will look ... Read More
J-Hay Continues to Amaze With Walk-Off Winner
Pittsburgh-- Josh Harrison didn't start Friday night's game against the Mets, but he made sure it finished in the Pirates favor as his 11th inning double scored Clint Barmes giving the Pirates a 3-2 victory. Harrison came in to pinch-hit for starter Brandon Cumpton in the seventh inning and replaced Pedro Alvarez at third base. With the game tied at two in the tenth, Harrison led off the inning with a single and stole second. What came next is something you only see in a video game. Gregory ... Read More
Pirates GM Neal Huntington Comments on Grilli Trade
Pirates GM Neal Huntington spoke to the media concerning the trade of Jason Grilli to the Angels in exchange for RHP Ernesto Frieri. On making the trade: "It's one of those change of scenery deals that both clubs are looking at guys they liked in the past that are currently struggling and felt they were the right move for their club and we certainly appreciate everything Jason has done not only on the field but in the clubhouse and in the community and the human part of it makes it really ... Read More
Pirates Trade Jason Grilli to Angels for Ernesto Frieri
The Pittsburgh Pirates today acquired right-handed pitcher Ernesto Frieri from the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jason Grilli. The announcement was made by Pirates Senior Vice President, General Manager Neal Huntington. Since being acquired by the Angels on May 3, 2012, Frieri has recorded a total of 216 strikeouts, which rank second among all American League relievers behind Greg Holland (238). He also recorded 71 saves as a member of the Angels, which is ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 6/27: Hurdle Discusses Having Too Many Starters
Good afternoon from PNC Park where tonight the Pirates (40-39) take on the Mets (36-43) in the second game of a four-game set. Brandon Cumpton (3-2, 4.93 ERA) will take on Jacob deGrom (1-4, 3.75 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On deciding a rotation out of eight solid starters: "The volume of work each man has done is taken into consideration. You need to do what's best for the organization at the time to keep the best competitive team you can in play in your mind and also continue to have depth. ... Read More
Andrew McCutchen Likes Hitting in June
The month of June has been very generous for Andrew McCutchen in his four years in the Majors as it normally is the month to jump start his season. It was the case last year as it helped propel him into the MVP picture. So far this June, he's posted a .351/.711/1.128 line with 11 doubles, eight home runs and 25 RBI in 24 games. "I'm just seeing the ball and hitting the ball," said McCutchen. "I think I definitely have spurts where I feel good. I feel really good now and I'm just trying to ... Read More