It appeared the Pittsburgh Pirates bullpen would finally allow a run as the Oakland Athletics had runners on first and third base with one out in the sixth inning. Pirates manager Clint Hurdle had been ejected earlier in the inning, his second removal of the week, and A.J. Schugel was tasked with keeping his team up 4-3 on the scoreboard against the Athletics. Stephen Vogt was the batter and defensive replacement David Freese would be put to the test. Vogt hit a hard line drive to Freese ... Read More
Pirates look to avoid extending skid
The Pittsburgh Pirates are looking to avoid a sweep against a National League Central foe in the St. Louis Cardinals. A loss would be the 12th in 16 games. In Sunday evening's game, Jonathon Niese (6-2, 3.93 ERA) will face Mike Leake (4-4, 4.22 ERA). Niese is 4-3 with a 3.45 ERA in career starts against the Cardinals. Niese has not lost a decision since May 9, which is also the last time he allowed more than two earned runs in an appearance. In his last start, Niese bested his former ... Read More
Fifth inning does in Liriano, Pirates
Occasionally, an opposing pitcher has his way with a team, and there isn't much that can be done. This was the case Saturday night as Carlos Martinez and the St. Louis Cardinals bested the Pittsburgh Pirates, 5-1. Martinez (7-5) went a career-high 8.1 innings in this game, and his 122 pitches were the most by a Cardinals pitcher this season. He also kept the ball on the ground, getting 12 ground-ball outs. While Martinez kept things rather clean, it took a little time for his mound ... Read More
Pirates lose second straight to Phillies
Offense has not been hard to come by of late for the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the team managed four hits in a 4-2 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. Josh Bell hit 1-for-2 at the plate in Tuesday's game and has safely reached base in the past five games. Harold Ramirez made the most of his lone plate appearance earning a single. Ramirez has seven hits in his last 10 at-bats Niese struggles It certainly was an outing to forget for Jonathon Niese and not because he lost to go 0-2 on the ... Read More
Pirates pregame 10/4: Game 162 has meaning
The Pittsburgh Pirates have been in the driver's seat all week when it comes to hosting the National League Wild Card game, and will be once again this afternoon in Sunday afternoon's contest, the final one of the regular season. With all of today's games being started at or close to the same time, no team has an early advantage of resting players if there is a race for a playoff spot. The Pirates fall in this spot as they lead the Chicago Cubs by one game for the right to host the NL Wild ... Read More
The Pirates are ready for some football
Rick Sofield is a known New York Giants fan, so it came as no surprise that he flipped out when he saw Chris Stewart with a personalized Dallas Cowboys jersey hanging by his locker. "That son of a [gun] has a Dallas Cowboys jersey," an outraged Sofield said. Sofield immediately responded putting on a Giants shirt much to Stewart's chagrin. Week one of the NFL season is always a phenomenon all across he country and the Pirates certainly are not immune. "It’s a nice distraction for us ... Read More
Locke, Pirates continue struggles versus NL Central
Coming into Wednesday night's start against the Milwaukee Brewers, Jeff Locke had made two quality starts since June 17. After departing the start, Locke still had two quality starts since June 17 as the Pittsburgh Pirates lost 9-4 to the Brewers. Locke pitched 3.2 innings, matching his shortest outing of the season, which previously came April 28 against the Chicago Cubs. Additionally, relievers Joe Blanton and Arquimedes Caminero saw their scoreless streaks come to an end. Blanton ... Read More
Pirates announce roster moves; Arizona Fall League participants
With the Major League Baseball roster limit expanding from 25 to 40 on Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Pirates have called up six players from Triple-A Indianapolis to add to their bench and bullpen. The Pirates have recalled outfielder Jaff Decker, left-handed relief pitcher Bobby LaFromboise and catcher Elias Diaz, and selected the contracts of outfielder Travis Snider and Radhames Liz. In addition, the Pirates have reinstated right-handed relief pitcher Rob Scahill from the disabled list. To ... Read More
Pirates earn series win, extend winning streak
In his return to the Pittsburgh Pirates, Aramis Ramirez has shown a willingness to do whatever is asked of him. He's in his final season as a Major League player and all he wants is to help his team win. Ramirez accomplished just that on Saturday night as his offense helped the Pirates win 4-3 over the Colorado Rockies. Ramirez's three-run home run came in the first inning on a 2-2 sinker from Chris Rusin [4-7]. It was Ramirez's 382nd career home run and 78th as a Pirate. Ramirez entered ... Read More
Pirates can’t shake early inning troubles in loss
The Arizona Diamondbacks attacked Gerrit Cole's fastball early and often and won a 4-1 contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday night. Cole [14-7] tied a season-high allowing nine hits in the contest while also throwing 30-pitches in the first inning. The Diamondbacks struck first with a two-run first inning. A.J. Pollock hit a triple off the Clemente Wall in right field. Gregory Polanco did not read the bounce off the right field wall correctly allowing Pollock to advance to third ... Read More