The Pittsburgh Pirates won its series opener against the San Diego Padres in dramatic fashion as Pedro Alvarez hit a game-winning single in the bottom of the ninth to take the game by a 2-1 margin. Though manager Clint Hurdle tried to quiet a reporter when talks of a series win against the Padres came up it is hard to ignore that the past 14 series played at PNC Park have not gone in favor of the home team. “We’re due," Hurdle said. "It’s not the law of averages, it’s just that we’re due. ... Read More
It’s time for the Pirates to promote Alen Hanson
Now is the time for the Pittsburgh Pirates to bring up second baseman Alen Hanson from AAA Indianapolis. Josh Harrison is on the disabled list, and Starling Marte might be right behind him. Gregory Polanco, meanwhile, is struggling to get on base. Those are the top three Pirates in stolen bases this season, all either injured or underperforming. Hanson, who was Baseball America’s seventh best Pirate prospect prior to the start of the season, could help fix the club’s woes between the ... Read More
Four Pirates selected to MLB All-Star Game
The Pittsburgh Pirates met prior to Monday night's game with the San Diego Padres for an annual tradition, a meeting led by manager Clint Hurdle to determine which players made the 2015 MLB All-Star Game. This year the magic number was four as A.J. Burnett, Gerrit Cole, Andrew McCutchen and Mark Melancon each made the team. “To be able to place four men on the All-Star team, I think we represented our city and our team," Hurdle said. "I believe they will go in and represent the National ... Read More
Alvarez hits walk-off single to lead Pirates past Padres
Pedro Alvarez's RBI single in the bottom of the ninth brought home Andrew McCutchen as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the San Diego Padres 2-1 in walk-off fashion. The Pittsburgh Pirates entered Monday night having lost its past 14 series to the San Diego Padres. “I just tried to compete," Alvarez said. "I was just trying to see a pitch up and put hard contact on it.” In this game, the Padres struck first in the second inning. Yonder Alonso had a one-out walk and a Jedd Gyorko single ... Read More
Pirates pregame 7/6: Josh Harrison on his injury; Ishikawa returns
The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a roller coaster day after a victory against the Cleveland Indians Sunday to earn a series win. Despite the victory, Josh Harrison was placed on the 15-day disabled list today. Harrison is one of the more popular Pirates. A year ago, Harrison was named an All-Star, however he has earned a trip of a different kind. A.J. Burnett hopes to end the day with a Pirates victory. Burnett is 4-7 with a 4.38 ERA in 12 career starts against the Padres. Burnett won a ... Read More
Gerrit Cole named to All-Star Game
In his third year, many thought that this would be the year that Pirates pitcher Gerrit Cole would have his breakout season. The 24-year-old 2011 Pirates first-round pick hasn't disappointed, as he's put up ace-like numbers for the Pirates. It isn't just Pittsburgh noticing, either, as Cole has been named to his first All-Star game. After his start on Sunday, the California native has a 2.28 ERA, which is good for eighth best in baseball. Those in front of him include Chris Archer, Zack ... Read More
Josh Harrison placed on DL with thumb injury
Pittsburgh Pirates starting third baseman Josh Harrison will miss six weeks with torn thumb ligaments in his left hand, according to a report by Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Josh Harrison has torn thumb ligaments. Out 6 weeks. #pirates. — Rob Biertempfel (@BiertempfelTrib) July 6, 2015 Harrison will not play in tonight’s game against the San Diego Padres. Instead, he has been placed on the 15-day disabled list. He injured his thumb sliding into second base in the ... Read More
Mark Melancon named to All-Star Game
Many Pittsburgh Pirates fans were on his back after posting a 5.28 ERA in April, however Mark Melancon has been selected to the 2015 MLB All-Star Game. The announcement, which came Monday night, means that Melancon has made his second ever All-Star Game after first accomplishing the feat in 2013. Much of April was spent analyzing Melancon's velocity drop and two outings in which he allowed three runs. One of those outings resulted in his lone blown save of the season. Since April ... Read More
Pirates use fifth inning to rock Cleveland
A five-run fifth inning allowed the Pittsburgh Pirates to win in 5-3 comeback fashion against the Cleveland Indians Sunday afternoon. The win was the 19th comeback win of the season and 14th series win. Pedro Alvarez started the scoring with his 12th home run of the season, a two-run shot. This was his first homer at PNC Park since June 10th. The play also scored Jung Ho Kang who singled to lead off the inning. “That swing right there and getting those two runs gave us a lift, there was ... Read More
Pirates lose Marte, add Ishikawa during Sunday’s game
Within minutes during Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Indians on Sunday, the Pirates lost, and then gained an outfielder. Starting left fielder Starling Marte left the game in the bottom of the fourth with discomfort in his side. He injured himself during a swing and, after consulting with athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk and manager Clint Hurdle, his day was finished prematurely. He was replaced in the lineup by Gregory Polanco. Just moments later, during the top of the fifth inning, the ... Read More