The Pittsburgh Pirates pulled off an impressive win over the Houston Astros on Tuesday night after losing Monday night to them. However, Wednesday the team fell to the Astros with a 5-4 final score — with the Astros winning the series. Pitching first for the Pirates was Gerrit Cole, and for the Astros, Collin McHugh was on the mound. Houston got on the scoreboard first in the top of the second inning, when Evan Gattis hit a home-run to score himself and Carlos Correa. The Pirates finally ... Read More
Back-and-forth game vs. Marlins doesn’t end Pirates’ way
Reliever Felipe Rivero hadn't allowed a run in 8.2 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates (62-57), but that all changed Friday night. Up 5-3 heading into eighth inning, Rivero gave up a home run to the Miami Marlins' Miguel Rojas and a game-tying RBI single to Christian Yelich. An inning later, Robert Andino hit an RBI single off Pittsburgh reliever Neftali Feliz that proved to be the game-winning run. The Marlins (63-59) won the game, 6-5. It was a back-and-forth game, one the Pirates were ... Read More
Pirates take series vs. Padres with 4-0 afternoon win
Thursday, the Pittsburgh Pirates (57-55) got what they desperately needed: a series win. The team beat the San Diego Padres 4-0 in an afternoon game to put Pittsburgh two games above .500. The Pirates started off the series with a 4-6 win Tuesday night before falling short in a 4-0 loss Wednesday night. Jameson Taillon (3-2, 2.85 ERA, 1.08 WHIP) threw out the first pitch for the Pirates, with shortstop Jordy Mercer and second baseman Josh Harrison both recording quick outs to get ... Read More
Nova’s performance, Kang’s catch secure Pirates win
Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Neftali Feliz was in a jam when he allowed the first two Cincinnati Reds to reach base with Billy Hamilton at the plate. Hamilton hit a ball on a short hop that Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang quickly fielded. He got the out at third base and threw to Josh Harrison to get the out at second base. Kang did not have any chance to react until the 88 mph hit bounced into his glove but he quickly formulated a game plan. "I was thinking of throwing the ball ... Read More
Base-running gaffes cost Pirates in 5-3 loss to Brewers
When five consecutive batters reached base in the fourth inning, it seemed like Saturday night's game could be big for the Pittsburgh Pirates (52-50). But the opportunity was squandered, and only one baserunner scored. As such, manager Clint Hurdle couldn't even force a smile in a 5-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers (46-56). Even the play where the run scored, a Jung Ho Kang single, didn't have the desired impact as Starling Marte was thrown out at third base. This came after Marte was also ... Read More
Liriano has short night in Pirates’ 7-4 loss to Mariners
Francisco Liriano didn't have his best stuff Tuesday night. Even despite a second inning solo home run from the Pittsburgh Pirates' (51-48) starting pitcher that gave his team a 4-1 lead, the veteran couldn't secure a win. And, instead, Liriano's outing tied for his shortest ever in the Pirates' 7-4 loss to the Seattle Mariners (51-48). Liriano lasted only 3.1 innings, giving up eight hits and all seven runs, elevating his ERA from 4.96 to 5.38. From the beginning, Liriano showed signs ... Read More
Pirates top Nationals in 18 innings
On the surface, it was only two runs, but that was enough for the Pittsburgh Pirates to defeat the Washington Nationals in a season-high 18 innings while also avoiding a series sweep. Though the game was long and each of the team's relievers were used, Monday is an off day allowing for everyone to get some rest. The winning hit came from Starling Marte off former Pirate Oliver Perez with two outs in the 18th inning. Marte swing at the first pitch and hit it deep into the left field ... Read More
Pirates’ Marte named to All-Star Game
It was thought that Starling Marte would not make his first career All-Star Game appearance when he placed second in the National League Final Vote, but Saturday afternoon that was not revealed to be the case. Marte will be heading to San Diego replacing Yoenis Cespedes. “It’s been a crazy 24 hours," he said. "It was definitely an emotional ride thinking it wasn’t going to happen. I am excited, this is something that I really have worked hard to go to and I’m really looking forward to the ... Read More
Midseason Report Card: Pirates’ offense shines, pitching struggles
When Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker — and their combined 43 home runs — departed last off-season, the Pittsburgh Pirates decided to make up for the lost power with a high on-base approach. Their replacements, John Jaso and Josh Harrison, fit that mold. Before the start of the 2016 season, Pittsburgh was also hoping Starling Marte would continue his surge to stardom, while Gregory Polanco was expected to break out and show why he was a former top prospect. David Freese was signed as a temporary ... Read More
Glasnow looks strong in MLB debut, Pirates unable to beat Cardinals
The Tyler Glasnow Era got off to a solid start Thursday afternoon against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium — albeit in a 5-2 loss. Glasnow, in his first MLB start, went toe-to-toe with Cardinal ace Adam Wainwright in a pitcher's duel that saw the rookie go five-and-one-third innings before turning the reins over to reliever Arquimedes Caminero. A three-run homer by Stephen Piscotty off Caminero sealed Glasnow's fate. The rookie right-hander would end up allowing four runs on three ... Read More