Tony Watson had a rare bad inning and Justin Wilson allowed a walk-off double as the Pirates fell to the Nationals 4-3 on Saturday night. Watson entered the eighth inning with the Pirates leading 3-0 after a strong 5 2/3 innings from starter Jeff Locke. Things then went downhill as the Nationals (68-53) got a leadoff walk and two singles to make it 3-1. Watson then got Anthony Rendon to ground into a double play and seemed to have things under control, but Adam LaRoche followed with a two-run ... Read More
Pirates contribute in All-Star game
Andrew McCutchen, Tony Watson and Josh Harrison all contributed to the National League All-Star effort, but it wasn't enough as the American League squad locked up home field advantage in the Word Series with a 5-3 victory on Tuesday evening. McCutchen led the game off with an infield single. Derek Jeter -- who participated in his final midsummer classic-- made a diving stop at short, but his throw was late as McCutchen's speed was too much. He then reached second on a wild pitch and stole ... Read More
Tony Watson Named to First All-Star Game
Pirates LHP Tony Watson has been selected to his first All-Star game by NL manager Mike Matheny. "I'm really proud to represent this team, represent the Pirates organization in the All-Star game," said Watson. "It wasn't something I was expecting, but I'm honored to even be in the conversation and now to know that I'm going feels tremendous." Watson currently posts a 5-0 record with a 0.89 ERA (4 ER) in 40 2/3 IP. He has struck out 49 batters while walking only 10. He went 26 appearance in ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 6/11: Liriano to the DL, Hurdle Discusses All Star Opportunities
Good afternoon from PNC Park where today the Pirates (30-34) look to bounce back from last night's 7-3 loss to the Cubs (26-36) in the third game of a four-game set. Brandon Cumpton (1-2, 6.51 ERA) will take the hill for the Bucs against Jason Hammel (6-3, 2.53 ERA). DL Update Francisco Liriano has been placed on the 15-Day DL with a left oblique strain. Stolmy Pimentel has been activated from the DL to take his place on the roster. Hurdle on Cole's status: "He threw out to 90 ft [yesterday] ... Read More
Pirates Position Preview: Setup man / Closer
We move on with our 2014 Pirates position previews with the men that shut the door on opposing offences at the end of games. The Pirates back end was 73 - 5 -- three of those losses came in the final month-- when taking a lead into the eighth inning and it produced two NL All-Stars in Mark Melancon and Jason Grilli. Tony Watson and Justin Wilson also aided in the setup role with their power game to create one of the most feared groups in the league. Justin Wilson: 2013: 6 - 1, 2.08 ERA ... Read More
Pirates embrace Opening Day, give fans a reason to believe this year
Despite the snowfall, it is Opening Day for the 2013 Major League Baseball season. While the last two seasons are well documented -- they'll forever be known as the Collapse Part 1 and the Collapse Part 2 -- the Pirates are focused on this year only. After a longer than usual Spring Training in Bradenton, Fl., the Pirates are back to Pittsburgh and are set to take on the Cubs for a three-game set. While the season is a marathon, not a sprint, Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle didn't want to take ... Read More
Pirates Notebook: Hurdle Confident in McDonald Despite Shaky Outing
ALTOONA, Pa. -- Right-hander James McDonald took the mound at People's Natural Gas Field on Saturday afternoon to get some final work in of the spring before the season kicks off on Monday against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. Facing the Pirates Double-A affiliate the Altoona Curve, McDonald had a rough first inning --allowing four runs-- but was able to finish off the lengthy frame with a scoreless second to end his outing. "I think at times, James just tries to feel his way through things," ... Read More