The Pirates used two runs in the eighth and one in the ninth to comeback and defeat the Braves 3-2 to snap their seven-game losing skid on Wednesday night. The Pirates (65-62) were only able to record three hits through seven innings against Braves starter Alex Wood. Josh Harrison led the bottom of the first off with a double, but was picked off. Gaby Sanchez and Travis Snider recorded singles in the second and fifth innings for the other offense. It would be Sanchez and Snider that gave ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/20: Morton diagnosed with a “sports hernia”, Hurdle discusses Travis Snider
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (64-62) look to salvage a game from the Braves (66-60). Gerrit Cole (7-4, 3.78 ERA) will be making his first start since early July as he faces Alex Wood (9-9, 3.07 ERA). The Pirates begin the day 7 games behind the Brewers (71-55) for first in the NL Central, 4 1/2 games behind the Cardinals (68-57) for the first NL Wild Card spot and 2 games behind the Giants (65-59) and Braves (66-60) for the second NL Wild Card spot. Injury Update Charlie ... Read More
Pirates woes continue in 11-3 loss to Braves
Francisco Liriano was unable to play stopper as he allowed nine runs --seven earned-- over four-plus innings of work as the Braves extended the Pirates losing streak to seven with a 11-3 victory over the Bucs on Tuesday night. The Braves (66-60) jumped on Liriano early and often as they scattered five runs against him over 4 innings of work. Justin Upton provided most of the damage with a three run home run to left in the third. Aaron Harang and Jason Hayward also provided RBI. The Braves ... Read More
Cutch ready to return to action
Andrew McCutchen completed what looks like the final step in his rehab as he successfully participated in live batting practice without any setbacks on Monday afternoon at PNC Park. "I feel good, good to go," said McCutchen. "It was basically a reassurance there going out and facing live pitching and getting my swing ready for the games. I felt pretty good out there. I made some good contact on some balls and even with some swing and misses. I pretty much did everything. I swung and missed, ... Read More
Braves get to Worley early in Pirates 7-3 defeat
The Braves scored six times in the first inning off of Vance Worley as they cruised past the Pirates 7-3 on Monday night. Worley experienced pitch issues at the start allowing lead-off back-to-back home runs from Jason Heyward and Andrelton Simmons. Worley then allowed a walk and three singles to put the Braves quickly up 4-0. The Braves (65-60) added two more in the inning when Neil Walker threw wide of first base on an inning-ending double play attempt. "The first inning, my pitches ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/18: Hurdle discusses staying the course
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (64-60) look to break a five-game slump as they begin a three-game series against the Braves (64-60). Vance Worley (5-2, 2.51 ERA) will take the hill and oppose Ervin Santana (12-6, 3.66 ERA). Player Updates Andrew McCutchen took live batting practice today and "expects" to be in the lineup tomorrow when he's eligible to come off the DL. Jordy Mercer took fielding practice today without throwing and took swings in the cage. "He's got some more ... Read More
Bullpen can’t hold Locke’s lead, Pirates lose 4-3
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
Pimentel placed on the 15-Day DL
Pirates reliever Stolmy Pimentel has been placed on the 15-Day disabled list with a sprained right ankle as reported by Bill Brink of the PG. Stolmy Pimentel goes on the 15-day DL because of a sprained right ankle. He said he hurt ankle throwing a pitch Wednesday.— Bill Brink (@BrinkPG) August 15, 2014 Pimentel is 2-1 with a 5.40 ERA in 31 2/3 innings this season with a 1.547 WHIP and 37 strikeouts. He has allowed seven runs over his last five appearances. John Axford will take ... Read More
Scherzer outduels Liriano as Tigers earn split
Max Scherzer threw one of his best outings of the season striking out 14 Pirates over eight innings of work as the Tigers defeated the Bucs 5-2 on Thursday afternoon to earn a series split. Scherzer and Pirates starter Francisco Liriano were locked in a pitchers duel through four innings before the Tigers (65-54) struck first in the fifth. J.D. Martinez sent a Liriano 1-1 slider over the left field fence. The homer was the first hit allowed by Liriano in the game. Liriano experienced his ... Read More
Pirates claim John Axford
The Pirates have acquired RHP John Axford from the Cleveland Indians in a waiver claim. The move was first reported by Ken Rosenthal and confirmed by Buster Olney. Source: #Pirates acquire John Axford. — Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) August 14, 2014 The Pirates got John Axford in a straight waiver claim from Cleveland. Owed about $1.1 million for the rest of the year. — Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) August 14, 2014 In 49 games with the Indians this season, Axford is 2-3 with ... Read More