Pedro Alvarez tied it in the ninth with a two-run home run to right-center and Starling Marte later ended it with a walk-off shot into the Pirate bullpen to give the Bucs a 6-5 comeback victory over the Blue Jays on Friday night. The Pirates trailed 5-3 heading into the final frame when Neil Walker led the bottom of the ninth off with a single to right field. Pedro Alvarez followed two batters later with a shot into the right-center seats to tie the game at five. After a Gaby Sanchez flyout, ... Read More
Dropping Marte in the Order Can Only Help Him
After a promising rookie season, a freshly signed contract extension and the hope for improvement offensively from Pirates left fielder Starling Marte, it's been a rough start to say the least. A .229 average, an OBP of .308 and 37 strikeouts are not exactly what the Pirates had in mind when they placed him in the lead off spot opening day. To put in context, only the Mariners Abraham Alamonte has more strikeouts in all of baseball with 39. In fact, Marte has struck out twelve more times than ... Read More
Pirates Position Preview: Left / Center Field
We continue our Pirates preview by looking at two of the most talented positions on the field. Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte are one of the best outfield duo's in the game. Their ability to cover ground helped lead the Pirates defense last year and with the addition of Gregory Polanco in mid-June, they will have one of the best outfields in the majors. Starling Marte: Marte was posting a solid rookie season until a hand injury sidelined him for 25 games in late-August. He ... Read More
Three Pirates Fall Short of Rawlings Gold Glove Award
Andrew McCutchen, Russell Martin and Starling Marte were shut out on Tuesday night for the Rawlings Gold Glove Award. Carlos Gomez defeated Andrew McCutchen for the NL Gold Glove in CF. Cutch recorded 321 put-outs (5th among NL CF's) while assisting on 11 plays (3rd among NL CF's) and recording 3 double plays (1st among NL CF's). His wins over replacement was an 8.2 which is 3rd for all NL players in 2013. Russell Martin fell to Yadier Molina for the catchers award. Martins 103 assists at ... 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
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 Game Day: Hurdle Discusses Cole, Marte Update
The Pirates (77 - 55) look to get back into a tie for first as they face the Brewers (58 - 74) in the rubber match of the three game set. Gerrit Cole (6 - 6, 3.81 ERA) will oppose Yovani Gallardo (9 - 9, 4.61 ERA). Leading off John Buck will make his Pirates debut tonight as he will catch Cole and bat seventh. Hurdle's Quotes On the amount of players that will be brought up post-Sept. 1st -- "I think we're going to have a progression in place that we're going to have some guys added on ... Read More
Pirates Extend Playoff Lead In 6-2 Victory Over Arizona
PNC Park - Gerrit Cole pitched six innings of five hit, two run ball and the top of the Pirates order continued to remain hot as the Pirates defeated the Diamondbacks 6 - 2 on Friday night extending their lead over Arizona to 9 1/2 games and their NL Central lead over the Cardinals to three. Cole went through the Arizona lineup once easily before experiencing trouble in the fourth. He would pitch around Paul Goldschmidt to start the inning before walking Aaron Hill. A wild pitch would then ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: Wandy Update, Hurdle Talks Cole’s Innings Limit
The Pirates (71 - 49) look to straight the ship after a 1 - 5 road trip that has dropped their NL Central lead to two games. Another team chasing them for a playoff spot, The Arizona Diamondbacks (62 - 57) invade PNC Park for a 3-game set starting tonight. Gerrit Cole (5 - 5, 3.95 ERA) will face Brandon McCarthy (2 - 6, 4.73 ERA). Leading Off The Diamondbacks trail the Pirates by 8 1/2 games going in to tonight's contest. A series victory by the Bucs could go a long way to locking up their ... Read More
Morton Solid, Cutch Leads offense In Pirates 4 – 2 Win
PNC Park -- Morton pitched seven innings of two-run ball and Andrew McCutchen led the offense with a homer in a Pirates 4 - 2 victory over the Marlins on Wednesday night. Charlie Morton rebounded from his previous start where he allowed 10 hits and 5 runs by throwing seven innings of sit hit, two run ball. He only allowed more than one base runner to reach in one inning, the fourth, where the Marlins scored their only to runs. Giancarlo Stanton led the inning off with a single and moved to ... Read More