The last time the Pittsburgh Pirates traveled to face the St. Louis Cardinals, J.A. Happ's turn was skipped in the rotation. This was partially because of past performance against the Cardinals, but also recent struggles at the time. Friday night, Happ struck out eight batters in seven scoreless innings as the Pirates won by a 9-3 score Friday night. Happ [4-1] was 1-8 with a 6.79 ERA in 10 career starts against the Cardinals coming into the start. His appearance tonight marked the first ... Read More
AM Joe: Pitt, Penn State or West Virginia?
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your day in sports for Thursday, September 3, 2015. What's on tap for today: The day starts out with some FCS football, as local Northeast Conference rivals Duquesne and Robert Morris both start the season off at home. The Dukes will host Kentucky Christian on the bluff, while Bobby Mo will host Dayton for the first game on the new turf at Joe Walton Stadium. Both games start at noon. ESPN Radio 970 WBGG-AM (RMU), 1320 WJAS-AM (Duquesne) At Heinz ... Read More
AM Joe: Friday night lights return to Western Pa.
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your day in sports for Friday, September 4, 2015. What's on tap for today: It's Fireworks Friday in Washington, Pa. as the Wild Things (40-53) are back at home following a 4-0, 11-inning win last night. First pitch against the Windy City Thunderbolts is at 7:05 p.m. 95.3 WJPA-FM The Pirates (79-53) will need to turn things around quickly if they want to catch the St. Louis Cardinals (86-47) in the National League Central. The Bucs have an opportunity ... Read More
Pirates division title hopes waning after sweep by Brewers
The Pittsburgh Pirates were swept for the sixth time this season after losing 5-3 Thursday night to the Milwaukee Brewers. This is the second second-half sweep for the Brewers against the Pirates. This is the first time since June 20, that the Pirates have lost a game started by Francisco Liriano. Liriano [9-7] allowed four runs on seven hits in five innings. Domingo Santana recorded a double and Jason Rogers, who walked in the at-bat prior, advanced to third base. Hernan Perez hit a ... Read More
Andrew McCutchen named Player of the Month
Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen added another honor on Thursday, perhaps strengthening a case at a second possible MVP award. McCutchen was named the National League’s Player of the Month for August, after batting .348/.470/.609 with five home runs, 19 RBI and 18 runs scored. The Pirates were 19-8 in an August, riding the backs of another torrid summer by McCutchen. After a month of April that saw McCutchen hit just .194, Cutch has certainly turned things up, hitting .330 in ... Read More
AM Joe: Football is back!
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your day in sports for Thursday, September 3, 2015. What's on tap for today: The Pirates (79-52) will l0ok to avoid their second consecutive sweep this season at the hands of the Milwaukee Brewers (57-75) at Miller Park. Francisco Liriano will try to be the stopper for the Bucs. First pitch is at 7:20 p.m. ROOT Sports Pittsburgh At Heinz Field, the Steelers will wrap up their 2015 preseason slate by hosting the Carolina Panthers at 7:30 p.m. before final ... Read More
Locke, Pirates continue struggles versus NL Central
Coming into Wednesday night's start against the Milwaukee Brewers, Jeff Locke had made two quality starts since June 17. After departing the start, Locke still had two quality starts since June 17 as the Pittsburgh Pirates lost 9-4 to the Brewers. Locke pitched 3.2 innings, matching his shortest outing of the season, which previously came April 28 against the Chicago Cubs. Additionally, relievers Joe Blanton and Arquimedes Caminero saw their scoreless streaks come to an end. Blanton ... Read More
Pirates recall Florimon, move Guerra to 60-day DL
One day after added six players to their Major League roster, the Pirates have added one more, selecting the contract of shortstop Pedro Florimon from Triple-A Indianapolis. Florimon, 28, had a .105 batting average in 15 games with the Pirates earlier this season. He was designated for assignment on August 19, one day after hitting a walk-off triple to beat the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 15th inning. Today was the first day that he was eligible to be recalled after being assigned to ... Read More
Pirates have odd history in Miller Park
“Oh, that’s not fair!” That is what a friend of mine who is a Chicago Cubs fan said Monday when he found out the Pittsburgh Pirates were about to start a series in Milwaukee. Little did he realize he should have rejoiced at that news. Despite losing 7-5 to the Brewers on Tuesday, the Pirates still own a 4.5 game lead over the Cubs for the top Wild Card. But considering that Miller Park is a house of horrors for the Pirates, it would not be a surprise if the Cubs inch a game or two ... Read More
AM Joe: Miller Park strikes again
Good morning, Pittsburgh. Here's your day in sports for Wednesday, September 2, 2015. What's on tap for today: The Wild Things (39-52) continue their final road trip of 2015 with their second game of a three-game set against the Schaumburg Boomers (38-53). First pitch is at 2:00 p.m. 93.5 WJPA-FM The Pirates (79-51) will try to shake off back-to-back losses, which they've suffered for just second time since August 11th and 12th at Saint Louis. To do so, they'll also have to earn a win ... Read More