When the Wild Things stepped on the field against the Windy City ThunderBolts, they were riding a four-game winning streak. They left the field with a five-game winning streak behind another solid pitching performance. Shawn Blackwell, who was acquired earlier this season from the Spokane Indians, has struggled early on in the season but he seemed to put all of that behind him tonight when he stepped onto the rubber. After giving up a combined nine runs in his first two games, Blackwell ... Read More
Archives for May 2013
Here’s Johnny: Cueto mows down Bucs in 6-0 win
Johnny Cueto dominated a struggling Pittsburgh lineup as the Cincinnati Reds defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates The Pirates coming off a four game set against the Tigers where they struck out a total of 53 times, did nothing against Reds' starter, Johnny Cueto. Thanks to two solo homers off Pirates' starter Wandy Rodriguez, and four walks and three wild pitches that led to three more runs off Mike Zagurski, the Reds were able to cruise past Pittsburgh, snapping the Pirates three game winning ... Read More
IUP’s Cignetti selected to College Football Hall of Fame
Former IUP head coach Frank Cignetti can now add "Hall of Famer" to his list of career achievements. Cignetti is ranked as the winningest coach in IUP history. He led his team to back-to-back PSAC titles in just his first two seasons as the head coach and then enjoyed a twenty-year career with IUP. He also took the team to two National Title games in 1990 and 1993. His list of achievements including taking IUP to the Division II playoffs 13 times, going to the National Semifinals six times, ... Read More
This Pirates team is definitely fun to watch
With the Penguins having an eight day layoff, Pittsburgh got its first extended look at the Pirates this past week. And the Buccos put on a show going 5-1 combined against the Brewers and Tigers. I just hope that Yinzers realize how special this team is and enjoy them without fearing the possibility of a third collapse. We all know the story by know. In 2011, the Pirates were in first place in July before limping to a 72-90 record. Next season the Bucs hit a high water mark of 63-47 before ... Read More
Washington Wild Things start strong, hope to turn it around in 2013
After going below .500 for the past four seasons, the Washington Wild Things baseball team are looking to turn things around this season. They won their division back in 2007, and have been falling ever since. Now, head coach Bart Zeller and the Wild Things are aiming to win their 6th division title. After being swept in their first series against the Schaumburg Boomers by a collective score of 11-8, the Wild Things have since won seven of their last eight contests. Washington is now tied atop ... Read More
“We Are Baseball Nuts From Germany” – 30 Stadiums in Three Months
As much as hockey means to Canada, that's what baseball means to America. It is, after all America's sport. Baseball is popular all over the world, though. An event like the World Baseball Classic helps elevate baseball's status globally. Countries like Japan, Dominican Republic and Cuba are hotbeds for baseball talent. One country that isn't usually associated with baseball is Germany. Their national sport is football and its top league is known as Bundesliga. Germany also has a baseball ... Read More
Locke-d and loaded
Each year, there seems to be that one player that breaks out from behind that shadows and takes the city, and league, by storm. Last year for the Pirates, that guy was James McDonald. Now, we of course know the story with McDonald. He came over in the Octavio Dotel trade with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Last year was the year that J-Mac became a household name, at least for the first half of the season. McDonald was considered an All-Star snub and in the running for the Cy Young Award before the ... Read More
All-22: What is Cover 2
Created by Steelers’ defensive coordinator Bud Carson in the 70’s, Cover 2 is one of the easiest defenses to break down. A staple of the Bears’ and Vikings’ defense we’ll use the All-22 tape, to take a look at the core of this defense. Week 14 vs the Vikings. Bears are in their base 4-3. The scheme is very simple and overall consistent. The two deep safeties are responsible for half of the field. The CBs cover the flats. The MIKE ‘backer drops to the middle (10-15 yards) with ... Read More
Pirates come from behind in win over Tigers
With a late-game rally that was equal parts American League thunder and National League small ball, the Pirates on Thursday upended the Detroit Tigers, 5-3, at PNC Park. In the seventh inning, the Pirates batted around against right-hander Anibal Sanchez and erased a two-run deficit. With one out, Garrett Jones dropped a single into center field. Russell Martin walked. Pedro Alvarez lined a two-run double. On the next pitch, Travis Snider banged a double off the Clemente Wall to give the ... Read More
J-Mac’s days in Pittsburgh are numbered
James McDonald. I bet that’s a name you haven’t heard in a while, other than Monday’s atrocious rehab start in AA Altoona. And if the Pirates want to be serious contenders this season, they need to cut ties. McDonald has been just about everything for the Pirates since arriving in 2010 for Octavio Dotel. He has been the ace, the worst pitcher in the rotation, a solid number three starter and a reliever. McDonald made his debut in 2010 for the Pirates. He started 11 games and went 4-5 with ... Read More