Josh Harrison is a ballplayer. That's what they say, right? He's gritty, hustles and plays the game the right way. For the past two months, Harrison hasn't only been playing the game the right way, but he's been playing the game really, really well. Actually, it's a little too well. Let me start by saying that I absolutely love Josh Harrison. When it comes to interacting with the media, Harrison was up there with Michael McKenry, Jared Hughes and Andrew McCutchen as far as being willing to ... Read More
Pirates Unable to Sweep Diamondbacks with 10-2 Loss
Vance Worley and the Pirates were able to hold the Diamondbacks hitless through five innings, but a seven-run ninth proved costly as the Diamondbacks avoided the sweep with a 10-2 victory on Thursday night. The loss drops the Pirates to 0-8 when having a chance to sweep a series. The Pirates (44-41) gave Worley a lead scoring once in the third and fourth. Jordy Mercer doubled to start the third, advanced to third on a Worley groundout and scored on a Gregory Polanco groundout. Neil Walker ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 7/3: Hurdle Discusses Recent Pitching Success, Jordy Mercer
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (44-40) look for the three-game sweep --their first of the 2014 season-- of the Diamondbacks (35-51). Vance Worley (2-0, 1.74 ERA) will oppose Brandon McCarthy (2-10, 5.11 ERA). Injury Update Francisco Liriano threw a successful sim game yesterday and will now make a rehab start with AAA Indianapolis on Monday (5 IP / 85 pitches). Andrew McCutchen is in tonight's lineup after leaving last night's game after fouling a ball off of his left ... Read More
Polanco Leads Pirates Over Diamondbacks 5-1
Pittsburgh-- Charlie Morton pitched six innings of one-run ball and Gregory Polanco hit his third career home run as the Pirates defeated the Diamondbacks 5-1 on Wednesday night. The Pirates (44-40) got off to a fast start in the first against Diamondbacks starter Chase Anderson when Gregory Polanco hit a double off the Clemente Wall. The ball was misplayed by Gerardo Parra allowing Polanco to reach third. Starling Marte then knocked him in with a groundout to short. The Pirates added on ... Read More
McCutchen Named NL Player-of-the-Month
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen has been voted Budweiser Presents National League Player of the Month for June. Budweiser, the official beer sponsor of Major League Baseball and sponsor for 24 of 30 MLB clubs, is also the presenting sponsor of the American League Player of the Month Award. "I'm definately honored and grateful and I thank God for the opportunity to be able to put forth a good month and to get the award is really good, but I definately couldn't do it without the ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 7/2: Liriano Update, Walker Discusses Walkoffs
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (43-40) look to build off of last night's improbable come-from-behind victory against the Mets in the second game of the three-game set. Charlie Morton (4-9, 3.41 ERA) will take on Chase Anderson (5-3, 3.63 ERA). Francisco Liriano threw a sim game (1 IP behind L-Screen, 3 IP w/o screen) prior to batting practice today. "I saw three of the innings that he pitched," said Clint Hurdle. "He's thrown all of his pitches. Working out of the windup ... Read More
Neal Huntington Breaks Down the Pirates First Half
Pirates GM Neal Huntington spoke about his thoughts on the Pirates first half of the season. The team started off slow going 10-18 in their first 28 games, but recovered to go 32-22 in the past 54 contests. Huntington attributes some of the success to the Pirate offense that leads all National League teams with a .350 on-base percentage, ranked second in batting average (.270) and fourth in runs scored (128). "Our offense for really the last seven weeks has been very productive and, ... Read More
Pirates Score Three in the Ninth to Beat Diamondbacks 3-2
Pittsburgh --Wade Miley and the Diamondbacks shut the Pirates down for eight innings, but the ninth was a different story as the Pirates scored three times for a 3-2 come-from-behind win on Tuesday night. The Pirates (43-40) knocked Miley out of the game in the ninth with a 2-0 lead when Neil Walker and Gregory Polanco singled to start the inning. Addison Reed then came in to try for the save, but failed. With one out, Starling Marte sent a 0-2 slider off of the top of the center field wall ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 7/1: Hurdle Discusses Locke’s Success, Pedro’s Inconsistency
Good afternoon from PNC Park where today the Pirates (42-40) begin a three-game set with the Arizona Diamondbacks (35-49). Jeff Locke (1-1, 3.74 ERA) will oppose Wade Miley (3-6, 4.78 ERA). Hurdle's Quotes On Locke's effectiveness as of late: "He's thrown more strikes. His command is in a better place than it was last last season. More leverage counts in his favor and that has been the biggest thing. You look at the walks-to-strikeout total base and compare it to anytime last year at any time. ... Read More
Pirate of the Week: Josh Harrison
Is Josh Harrison in the discussion to represent the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 2014 All-Star Game? Not likely to be sure, but if you would have even brought up such a notion this time a year ago, most people would have questioned your sanity. Now, it seems the movement to get Harrison to Minneapolis is gaining traction, and he will continue to have many Pirate fans support. This season, it seems that Harrison can do no wrong, as the super-utility player seems to make his case on a daily ... Read More