Gerrit Cole needed 20 pitches to get out of the first inning, however both he and the Pittsburgh Pirates were able to settle down and earn a 4-3 road victory Monday night against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies scored in the first inning when three consecutive batters reached base. Cole got the first two outs before Chase Utley was walked on four pitches. Ryan Howard followed with a single to right field. Grady Sizemore then connected for another single which scored Utley. Cole ... Read More
Pirates pregame 5/11: LaFromboise joins team; Kang’s leg kick
The Pittsburgh Pirates return to the road for a three game series against the Philadelphia Phillies. This is the first time the Pirates face a National League East team this season. Tonight’s starters The Pirates will send Gerrit Cole [4-1 2.27 ERA] to the mound against Jerome Williams [2-2 5.18 ERA]. Cole is 1-1 with a 2.61 ERA in two career starts against the Phillies. Cole is coming off his first loss in nine outings after allowing three runs on eight hits as part of his five innings of ... Read More
Pirates win series behind Kang’s bat
Jung-ho Kang accounted for two Pirates runs including the game-winning run as part of a 4-3 Mother's Day victory in front of 34,036 fans. “We feel we’re playing better baseball," manager Clint Hurdle said. "That's what we’ve talked about and that’s where our focus needs to stay. We’re definitely competing in the batter’s box which gives you more opportunities throughout the game.” The Pirates struck first for a fourth game in a row. Kang recorded a one out home run over the left field ... Read More
Neal Huntington presser 5/10: GM provides updates on Glasnow, Kingham
Pittsburgh Pirates General Manager Neal Huntington met with reporters prior to Sunday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals and as always discussed a variety of topics. The question on everyone's mind was an update on Nick Kingham's elbow injury. Outside of the identity of the injury's location and that he was placed on the disabled list, not much was known. “As we know over the years we’re going to wait until we get the second opinion to talk about what might be going on," Huntington ... Read More
Rob Scahill overcoming mental hurdles
Yogi Berra once started a famous quote by saying that 90 percent of the game was mental. This is something Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Rob Scahill can certainly relate to. "Physically the tools were always there, mentally I had to get over a hump," Scahill said. "I think I’m getting to the top of that mental hump and trying to get over it.” Scahill has translated this into success to the tune of one earned run allowed in 13.1 innings of work, good for a 0.68 ERA. "He’s pitched all ... Read More
Pirates record triple play in victory
Neil Walker leaped and was able to track down a Yadier Molina line drive that looked to be a sure two run double. What followed next was the first 4-5-4 triple play in Major League Baseball history. “That was fun to watch," manager Clint Hurdle said. "I’m not sure [Jung-ho] Kang [was ready for it] at the end, I was just hoping he didn’t flip the ball up into the stands. We got his attention in time to finish it off, there’s a lot of confusion that can go on. Everybody was in there yelling to ... Read More
Pirates pregame 5/9: Morton talks about his rehab start; Hurdle discusses Harrison.
The Pittsburgh Pirates are 1-6 in May after an 8-5 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals last night. The series resumes tonight at 7:05. In the loss, Francisco Liriano had an outing Pirates manager Clint Hurdle referred to as a "mixed bag". Though Liriano struck out 10 batters and limited his walk total to one, he allowed six runs five of which were earned. Liriano was disappointed with his pitch location as he left pitches over the plate that the Cardinals were able to attack, the biggest being a ... Read More
Three-run homers seal Pirates defeat
Matt Holliday and Kolten Wong each connected for three-run home runs as the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates by an 8-5 score Friday night in front of 33,507 fans. “When the other team hits two three run homers, it causes some separation," manager Clint Hurdle said. "It was two of our better games back to back offensively. I definitely don’t think there’s over-trying going on.” The Pirates struck first with a run in the first inning. Gregory Polanco led off the game with ... Read More
Pirates pregame 5/8: Cardinals come to town
The Pittsburgh Pirates conclude their second home stand of the season with a three game series against the St. Louis Cardinals, which begins tonight. In last night's game, the Pirates ended a five game losing streak with a 7-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates recorded 11 hits and all eight position players successfully reached base. A.J. Burnett earned his first victory of the season and also struck out his 2400th career batter. “It’s nice to get a win for sure," Mercer said. ... Read More
Burnett gets run support as Pirates avoid sweep
The Pittsburgh Pirates gave A.J. Burnett the most run support he had all season on Thursday night and it was enough to give him his first win of the season. The Pirates defeated the Cincinnati Reds by a 7-2 score. Burnett [1-1] was the difference maker in the game for the Pirates on both sides of the ball. Burnett pitched seven innings, allowing seven hits, two runs, two walks and four strikeouts on 85 pitches, 52 of which were strikes. Burnett is now second in the National League with a 1.66 ... Read More