There are a lot of things out there that I don't believe in when it comes to sports. First off, I don't believe that being "clutch" is a real thing. There are athletes who won't perform in the key situations or will crumble, but by looking at the numbers, no one raises their performance in the situations. Then there's being injury plagued. It's a label given to an athlete who seems to always be hurt. Think Matt Forte or Darren McFadden. Is this athlete really destined to get injured or are ... Read More
The Pirates…and Their Fans Beat the Reds 6 – 2
Follow @TBerardi_OVA Pittsburgh has waited 21 years for a game like this to occur and they made sure their voices were heard as they rattled Johnny Cueto, leading to an early lead which enough for Francisco Liriano, who threw another gem against the Reds in a 6 - 2 NL Wild Card victory on Tuesday night. The momentum started to swing in the top of the second when Marlon Byrd, who was making his first postseason plate appearance, homered to left sending the already loud crowd at PNC into a ... Read More
Pirates Gameday: The Playoffs Are Finally Back in Pittsburgh
Follow @TBerardi_OVA The Pittsburgh Pirates (94 - 68) are back in the postseason for the first time since 1992 as they will take on the Cincinnati Reds (90 - 72). Francisco Liriano (16 - 8, 3.02 ERA) will take on Pirate killer, Johnny Cueto (5 - 2, 2.82 ERA). This will be the first time PNC Park has seen postseason action and the first time Pittsburgh has seen a postseason game since October 11, 1992. Hurdle's Quotes On emotions for tonight's game last night-- "I had a very trying evening. ... Read More
Pirate of the Year: Andrew McCutchen
For the better part of the MLB season, we've been choosing our "Pirate of the Week" each week. Now, as the regular season is over and the Pittsburgh Pirates head into the postseason and get set to host the Wild Card playoff game, we want to bring you our Pirate of the Year. Without further hesitation, your Pirate of the Year is ... Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen has been heralded as the team's MVP all season. Just about every at-bat he has the chants of "MVP" ring out through PNC Park and even on ... Read More
Pirates release wild card roster
Here is the Pirates wild card roster: 9 pitchers - Gerrit Cole Jeanmar Gomez Jason Grilli Francisco Liriano Vin Mazzaro Mark Melancon Bryan Morris Tony Watson Justin Wilson 3 catchers: Russell Martin Tony Sanchez John Buck 8 infielders: Pedro Alvarez Clint Barmes Josh Harrison Garrett Jones Jordy Mercer Justin Morneau Gaby Sanchez Neil Walker 5 outfielders: Marlon Byrd Starling ... Read More
Cup of Joe: Enjoy the game tonight
Since the Pirates clinched home field for the wild card on Saturday, I've been trolling fans left and right on social media sites. Well, technically, the I haven't been trolling, because no matter where you look, you see something about the Pirates playing on Tuesday against the Reds. All of the fans are excited, which is great. It's great for the city and great for the fans. However, do fans really know how to feel? Fans have experienced the Penguins and Steelers playing in the playoffs ... Read More
‘Twas the Night Before Buctober
Follow @TBerardi_OVA 'Twas the night before Buctober, when all through the tahn, Not a fan was asleep, not even Greg Brown. They lay awake anxious for the day ahead, when their Buccos would be battling those dreaded Reds. Thoughts of Willie and Clemente get's everyone giddy, while Cutch and Pedro prepare to rock the city, Maz's homer replays on computers all around, and "You Gotta Believe" plays in loud sound. In the homes of the Pirates, they go to their beds, it is Christmas ... Read More
Message to Hurdle: Play the match ups
Clint Hurdle has made a major impact on the Pittsburgh Pirates since choosing to manage them at the start of the 2011 season. He's created a new atmosphere in the clubhouse, replacing the mundane, defeatist spirit left behind by John Russell, with a loud, energetic voice of optimism. With a group as young as the Pirates, that type of message can go a long way. Especially if the team starts winning. As a motivator, Hurdle is one of the best in baseball. As a strategist, he's, at times, ... Read More
Pirates Call for Blackout on Tuesday
Follow @TBerardi_OVA For the first time since October 11, 1992, the Pittsburgh Pirates will be hosting a playoff game on the shores of the Allegheny. This will be the first playoff game ever played at PNC Park and the single-game attendance record could be broken on Tuesday night. Sunday night the Pirates requested a favor to BUCN. How sick would it be if all the fans wore black on Tuesday. Black it out!!! @wudeydo34 @TheCUTCH22 @NeilWalker18 #PNCBLACKOUT — Michael McKenry ... Read More
No matter what, enjoy the game on Tuesday
The Pittsburgh Pirates will be hosting the opening game of the National League playoffs on Tuesday against the Cincinnati Reds for the city’s first playoff game in 20 years. The club has won 94 games this year — an improvement of 15 from last year’s talented team that just missed breaking the streak of consecutive losing seasons. Beyond that, the team entered this weekend’s series needing to take 2 of 3 from their now-hated rivals across the border to host the game, and instead they decided to ... Read More