Gerrit Cole's return lasted two innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates dropped a 6-2 game to the Philadelphia Phillies. This extends their losing streak to four games and 12 of the past 14 with 10 consecutive road games to go. Cole (7-10) needed 55 pitches to get through those two innings and was erratic walking four batters and allowing four hits. Though the damage all came in a five-run second inning, Cole was actually given a 1-0 lead when Gregory Polanco reached base on a force play when ... Read More
Huntington: ‘We’ve got the streakiest team in baseball’
Once again Pittsburgh Pirates general manager Neal Huntington met with reporters prior to Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Reds to discuss his team's struggles and answer questions regarding the remainder of the season. Below is an edited transcript. On Josh Harrison: “This is not going to be day-to-day. We’ll have to see how he responds in 24-48 hours and determine what other diagnostics need to be explored if he is not feeling better.” Neftali Feliz/A.J. Schugel progress: “They’re ... Read More
Pirates drop series finale to Reds, 8-0
The Pittsburgh Pirates were trying to salvage what was a disappointing homestand but instead lost 8-0 Sunday afternoon to the Cincinnati Reds. This was a game in which Ryan Vogelsong struggled through four innings and the offense stranded the bases loaded on two separate occasions. The loss puts the Pirates at 69-72 with 21 games remaining. This loss put the Pirates at 2-8 in their 10-game home stand. "My vision is to get us playing better," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I’m not going to ... Read More
Pirates seeking series split with Reds
The Pittsburgh Pirates enter play Sunday afternoon losers of 10 out of its past 12 games and are looking to avoid dropping a fourth consecutive series, this time against the Cincinnati Reds. Ryan Vogelsong (3-4, 4.07 ERA) will be facing Brandon Finnegan (8-10, 4.17 ERA). Vogelsong is coming off a no decision against the St. Louis Cardinals in which he allowed five runs on six hits over four innings. He is 5-5 with a 4.34 ERA in 21 career appearances (11 starts) against the ... Read More
Pirates continue to sink after loss to Reds
Tony Watson has had a rather consistent career as a relief pitcher, that is unless the Cincinnati Reds are the opponent. This was the case again Friday as the Pittsburgh Pirates were bested by these same Reds, 4-3. Jose Peraza was responsible for bringing home what proved to be the game-winning run with a sacrifice fly that brought Eugenio Suarez back to the Reds dugout with several high fives immediately following. This was set up by Suarez's lead-off single, a Ramon Cabrera sacrifice ... Read More
Pirates’ three-run first inning propels team over Reds
After breaking an eight-game losing streak, the Pittsburgh Pirates extended their win streak to two with a 4-1 victory Thursday night against the Cincinnati Reds with a huge performance from Pittsburgh starter Ivan Nova. This victory brings the Pirates back to .500 with an even 69-69 record. For the second time as a Pirate, Nova (12-6) pitched a complete game, this time on 94 pitches — he could have pitched for “the Maddux,” a complete game with no runs allowed and under 100 pitches, but Nova ... Read More
Kang’s blast ends Pirates’ 8-game losing streak
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang will admit that this season has been a very disappointing one, but an eighth-inning home run ended the Pirates' eight-game losing streak and secured a 4-3 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. Kang entered this Wednesday night contest having hit two home runs the night before against the Cardinals, and he added another, blasting a 1-2 pitch left in the upper-middle portion of the strike zone for his 17th home run of the season. Equally as ... Read More
A eulogy for the 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh Pirates playoff chances April 3, 2016 - September 6, 2016 (dates may be subjective) Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today to pay our respects to the 157 days worth of pipe dreams known as the Pittsburgh Pirates playoff chances this season which though mathematically did not end on this Tuesday night in September, were for all purposes silenced by a familiar foe. It was the big brother known as the St Louis Cardinals which slayed these Pittsburgh Pirates once again by a 9-7 ... Read More
Harrison playing pivotal role in Pirates offense once again
This season has been a very different one for Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Josh Harrison. Following the offseason trade of Neil Walker, Harrison found a real starting opportunity for the first time in his major league career, getting the nod over at second base. To start the season, the former super-utility man made great strides on offense and defense, proving to be a capable replacement for the beloved Pittsburgh Kid. This season, Harrison is hitting .275 with four home runs and ... Read More
Re-signing Nova could turn Pirates’ deadline into a win
Let's be frank here in regard to the Pirates' trade deadline deals — everyone had some level of disdain toward them. Whether it was sending mixed signals selling on closer Mark Melancon then buying on New York Yankees pitcher Ivan Nova, or the debacle that was the Francisco Liriano, Reese McGuire and Harold Ramirez for Drew Hutchison trade, it would be hard to find anyone completely on-board with what the Pirates did. But what a difference a month makes. As a preface, this isn't to say ... Read More