Good afternoon from PNC Park where tonight the Pirates (1-0) take on the Cubs (0-1) in game 2 of the opening series of the 2014 campaign. Charlie Morton (7-4, 3.26 ERA in 2013) will make his first start of the season and will face Edwin Jackson (8-18, 4.98 ERA in 2013). Hurdle's Quotes On the platoon situation at first base: "It won't be a cookie cutter platoon. I do believe there's better match-up opportunities for Gaby than this particular one today. Based on the spring he had last year, ... Read More
Baseball is Back in the Burgh
One couldn't ask for a better day for Opening Day 2014 as blue skies and springtime temperatures ascended on PNC Park on Monday. It was a welcome sight to fans, but an even better sight to the Pirate players as they have some unfinished business after last seasons Game 5 defeat to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLDS. "I believe we're better prepared," said manager, Clint Hurdle. "I believe we're better experienced. I believe the skill-sets have every opportunity to play out and play longer than ... Read More
Liriano Plays Houdini, Walker Walks-Off in Pirates 1-0 Win
PNC Park -- At 1:14 pm under clear skies, Francisco Liriano threw a strike to Emilio Bonifacio to kick off the 128th season of the Pittsburgh Baseball Club. Liriano would continue where he left off last postseason with a 4-hit, 10 strikeout performance (No decision) and Neil Walker hit a walk-off home run in the tenth inning for a Pirates 1-0 victory. It was a pitchers duel until the Cubs threatened in the fifth when Nate Schierholtz led off with a single and Darwin Barney followed with a ... Read More
Pittsburgh Pirates Season Preview
The 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates showed the city that baseball was back in the Steel City where it belonged. The question is however, can the 2014 Pirates continue to keep the ball rolling? They have the pieces to contend like last season, but it's what they did in the offseason to determine if they will be able to hold on to that playoff spot. Pitching still has some question marks to it after 10-game winner and clubhouse leader, A.J. Burnett departed for the Phillies. The addition of Edinson ... Read More
Pirates Release Opening Day Festivities, Awards Presenters
For the third consecutive year, the Pittsburgh Pirates will open their season on the North Shore at PNC Park. The team begins the 2014 campaign with a six-game homestand that includes a three-game series vs. National League Central rivals, the Chicago Cubs and the defending N.L. Champion, St. Louis Cardinals. Opening Day festivities will highlight Opening Week as many former Pirates players will return to Pittsburgh to participate in on-field ceremonies and present the Pirates 2013 N.L. award ... 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
Pirates Option Cumpton, Acquire Keon Broxton
The Pirates have optioned RHP Brandon Cumpton to Triple-A Indianapolis to drop their roster number to 30 with only 4 days until Opening Day. They will need to cut four more players before then -- They can have 26 with Stewart starting the season on the DL. Cumpton threw 20 1/3 innings in spring training with a 1 - 0 record and a 2.21 ERA while striking out 12 and walking 6. It may not be the last you see of the pitcher as he is in line with Jeff Locke to fill any holes in the starting ... Read More
Pirates to Honor Kiner With Patch
The Pirates announced on Monday that they will wear a patch on their jerseys with the number 4 on it in memory of the great Ralph Kiner, who passed away on Feburary 6th at his home in Ranco Mirage, California. Kiner batted .280/.567/.971 in 8 1/2 seasons with the Pirates between 1946 - 1953. He also hit 301 homers during that span while leading the league in that category for seven straight years. Below is the patch the Pirates will wear in memory of Kiner. He was inducted into ... Read More
Jameson Taillon Shut Down With Elbow Tightness
Multiple sources are reporting Pirates top pitcher prospect, Jameson Taillon will be shut down for a few weeks with elbow discomfort. Jameson Taillon out with what he calls “a little bit of elbow discomfort”. Could miss the first month of the season - http://t.co/mlQNqvENeO— Tim Williams (@timwilliamsP2) March 23, 2014 Neal Huntington told reporters that there is no ligament damage and the pitcher will get a second opinion later this week. #Pirates GM Neal Huntington says no ... 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