The Pittsburgh Pirates begin their second Interleague series and third homestand of the 2015 season tonight against the Minnesota Twins. The Pirates ended a four game losing streak on Sunday with its 3-0 victory against the Chicago Cubs. Now after a day off, they start an eight-game homestand. This is the third time the Pirates have played the Twins at home since the opening of PNC Park. The Pirates won two of three games when the teams met June 19-21 in 2012. The Pirates lost two of ... Read More
Pirates recall OF Jose Tabata
The Pittsburgh Pirates have made a move at the start of their third home stand of the season, calling up outfielder Jose Tabata and sending down relief pitcher Wilfredo Boscan. “I’m really happy to be here again and I’ve got to continue playing like I played in Indianapolis and see what happens," Tabata said. The Pirates made a 40-man roster spot available for Tabata by moving infielder Justin Sellers from the 15 to 60 day disabled list. “What he set out to do was go back to Triple-A ... Read More
Cole Tucker earning respect early on in Pirates system
Cole Tucker might be the youngest player on the West Virginia Power roster, but he has already established himself as one of the most respected leaders of the squad. An 18-year-old in a new environment with people older and more experienced than him would usually be intimidating, but for Tucker, it's been the direct opposite as his maturity level and attitude has fit him in nicely with the WV Power roster regardless if he's the youngest or not. "He's special in terms of where he's at and ... Read More
Sean Rodriguez embraces leadership role
Being a leader involves many different things namely communication. This has become a key aspect to Sean Rodriguez's game and his transformation has been a benefit to his Pittsburgh Pirates’ teammates. "I don’t know if it’s the Latin in me or just the way my mom raised me," Rodriguez said. "I love communicating with other guys and getting along. Early on in the spring that was probably one of the toughest things for me, just trying to talk to guys and find a way where I could be more of ... Read More
McCutchen’s defense helps Pirates avoid sweep
Though A.J. Burnett struggled at times with his control, he was able to pitch seven shutout innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates avoided a sweep with its 3-0 victory against the Chicago Cubs. Andrew McCutchen is not known for his defense, however two plays he made significantly helped the Pirates in this game. In the bottom of the second inning with Miguel Montero on first base after a single, Burnett got Chris Coghlan to fly out to the Pirates center fielder. McCutchen got a late break on ... Read More
Pirates drop fourth straight in Chicago
A night after playing five hours and allowing twelve runs the night before, the Pittsburgh Pirates [17-19] hoped to get back on track and limit the runs scored by the Chicago Cubs [20-15]. Pitchers Gerrit Cole [5-1, 2.32] and John Lester [3-2, 4.10] took the mound for their respective teams. The Cubs would end up winning the second game of the series, 4-1. Both starting pitchers played outstandingly, however, the Bucs bullpen cracked and the Cubs took advantage. Chicago took an early 1-0 lead ... Read More
Pirates get bullpen help after extra-inning loss
The Pittsburgh Pirates have made three roster moves in order to reinforce their bullpen after yesterday’s starting pitcher Jeff Locke lasted just 3.2 innings. Relief pitchers Antonio Bastardo, Rob Scahill, Arquimedes Caminero, Jared Hughes, Tony Watson, Mark Melancon and Radhames Liz all pitched in Friday’s 11-10 extra innings loss to the Chicago Cubs. As a result, the Pirates have selected the contract of RHP Wilfredo Boscan from the Indianapolis Indians. Boscan will wear number 69 and ... Read More
Pirates lose third in a row on walk-off trip
The Pittsburgh Pirates have shown the ability to fight back under manager Clint Hurdle. That ability was on display more than once Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field, but as much as the Pirates would fight, a bizarre play ultimately sent them to their third defeat in row, falling victim to the Chicago Cubs 11-10 in 12 innings. With the bases loaded and one out in the bottom of the 12th inning, Pirates reliever Radhames Liz got Matt Szczur to pop up to shallow right field. However the Cubs ... Read More
Polanco gaining confidence on defense
PNC Park's right field is shorter than the average ballpark, however that does not mean it does not present its own unique challenges. Gregory Polanco is in his first full season of playing right field for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and after a part-time run last season filled with ups and downs, his defense his been an improvement. “I’ve played right field before so I knew the angle of the ball and when they hit," Polanco said. "It’s just practicing every day and getting better.” Polanco's ... Read More
Pirates fall to Phillies; earn series split
The Pittsburgh Pirates had high hopes in their series against the Philadelphia Phillies after winning the first two of a four-game series. Instead, they will fly into Chicago on a two-game losing streak after a 4-2 loss Thursday afternoon. “We had a chance to win a series and we were unable do that. We’ve got work to do," manager Clint Hurdle said. "We’ve got to work on consistency.” Vance Worley [2-3] made his second career start against the Phillies, his former team and did not make it ... Read More