Despite making the playoffs in 2013, the Pittsburgh Pirates knew its biggest deficiency was pinch-hitting so immediately assistant hitting coach Jeff Livesey was tasked with putting a change to this. Pinch-hitting is by no mean an easy art to master. Essentially a batter is coming in cold to a pitcher that sometimes is very locked in or at the very least has thrown many pitches. The batter is then tasked with making a contribution that can help his team. Last season, Travis Snider found ... Read More
Pirates defense falters; can not complete late comeback in loss
Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole was looking for his first career win against the Cincinnati Reds. Cole left the game still looking for his first victory against the Reds. The Pirates fell 4-3 to the Reds Saturday evening. Cole [14-5] has defeated every other National League Central opponent at least once. He has gone six innings in 17 of his 21 starts this season and the lone four he has not reached that mark are all against the Reds. "They have confidence when they go up against ... Read More
Kang plays hero in Pirates victory
Pittsburgh Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle has consistently given Jung Ho Kang a lineup card following each time he accomplishes a first in the major leagues. Tuesday night likely will be no different as his go-ahead home run in the top of the ninth inning gave the Pirates an 8-7 road victory over the Minnesota Twins. Earlier, Gregory Polanco had four at-bats, three of which resulted in hard-hit contact, however each were outs. In the eighth inning and the bases loaded however the script ... Read More
Pirates pregame 7/23: Liriano back; Alvarez gone?
The phrase there is no place like home may resonate for the Pittsburgh Pirates following a 1-5 road trip. The Pirates are 32-16 overall this season at PNC Park and winners of eight of their past nine home contests. Now, the Washington Nationals come to town, perhaps something which could bode well for the Pirates considering their 11-1 home record against National League East opponents at PNC Park. Coming into tonight's game, the Nationals lead the NL East by three games over the New York ... Read More
Pirates late miscues result in loss
A controversial call, eighth inning defensive issues and ninth inning base running cost Gerrit Cole and the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 3-1 loss to the Kansas City Royals. Starling Marte hit what appeared to be a home run in the second inning, however after video review the play was ruled a double. The ball hit near the top row of padding in left field and then landed in the Royals bullpen. The Root Sports broadcast clearly showed Marte surprised by the call. Manager Clint Hurdle looked for an ... Read More
Pirates pull away following late rally in win
The Pittsburgh Pirates won its first game of a six-day road trip with a 10-7 victory against the Kansas City Royals. It was the Royals that struck first in the first inning when Eric Hosmer singled in Alcides Escobar. Hosmer was thrown out trying to stretch his single into a double. A four-run second inning served as the Pirates response. Both Pedro Alvarez and Francisco Cervelli each singled in runs placing the Pirates in the lead. Travis Ishikawa then drove the ball to left field for a ... Read More
Pirates lose series to Brewers
Prior to the first pitch the Pittsburgh Pirates revealed that Francisco Liriano would not start Saturday night's game against the Milwaukee Brewers. It was not the only loss of the night as the Pirates fell by an 8-5 score. Liriano was scratched from the start due to neck stiffness and as a result, Vance Worley made his first start of the season since May 14, an appearance which came against one of his former teams, the Philadelphia Phillies. Worley [3-5] allowed five runs [four earned] on ... Read More
Pirates pregame 7/6: Josh Harrison on his injury; Ishikawa returns
The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a roller coaster day after a victory against the Cleveland Indians Sunday to earn a series win. Despite the victory, Josh Harrison was placed on the 15-day disabled list today. Harrison is one of the more popular Pirates. A year ago, Harrison was named an All-Star, however he has earned a trip of a different kind. A.J. Burnett hopes to end the day with a Pirates victory. Burnett is 4-7 with a 4.38 ERA in 12 career starts against the Padres. Burnett won a ... Read More
Pirates lose Marte, add Ishikawa during Sunday’s game
Within minutes during Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Indians on Sunday, the Pirates lost, and then gained an outfielder. Starting left fielder Starling Marte left the game in the bottom of the fourth with discomfort in his side. He injured himself during a swing and, after consulting with athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk and manager Clint Hurdle, his day was finished prematurely. He was replaced in the lineup by Gregory Polanco. Just moments later, during the top of the fifth inning, the ... Read More
Pirates Position Preview: First Base
We finish up our Pirates Spring Training preview at first base, the position that is the most surprising going into Mondays season opener. Gaby Sanchez was a lock going into the spring at first base, but his platoon partner wasn't. The partner for him was looking like Andrew Lambo, who had to only put a decent showing to lock up the spot. He didn't even do that as he hit .095/.095/.269 in 42 spring at bats. The Pirates were lucky enough to have Travis Ishikawa step up and take the ... Read More