Neil Walker hit a first inning three-run home run and Vance Worley continued a string of strong starts by Pirates pitching as the Bucs held off the Reds 3-2 on Saturday afternoon at PNC Park. Walker came up with runners on first and second after Simon had trouble locating pitches to Andrew McCutchen in a five-pitch walk. Simon then threw a first-pitch fastball to the Pirates second basemen, who deposited the pitch into the right-center field seats for an early 3-0 lead. "After he walked ... Read More
Archives for August 2014
Pitt, James Conner run all over Delaware
It’s been quite some time since a Pitt Panthers team has dominated an opponent they should handle easily. The young Panthers did exactly that to open up the 2014 campaign on Saturday, dismantling the Delaware Blue Hens 62-0. The 62 points the Panthers scored set an all-time record for points scored at Heinz Field, having previously scored 55 against Gardner Webb back in 2012. It also was Pitt’s biggest margin of victory since defeating Temple 76-0 in 1977. It also was the Panthers first ... Read More
Steelers Finalize 53-Man Roster
With the preseason behind us and kickoff for the 2014 season less than a week away, tough decisions come for NFL organizations and prospective players realize harsh realities as teams need to cut their rosters down to 53 players. Notably for the Steelers, they have placed LB Jordan Zumwalt on injured reserve and claimed CB B.W. Webb off of waivers. Now to the cuts, by position: QB: Brendon Kay (Ben Roethlisberger, Bruce Gradkowski and Landry Jones remain on the roster) RB: Josh Harris ... Read More
Pirates Gameday 8/30: Hurdle excited to see Harrison succeed
Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (70-64) look to take yet another series as they face the Reds (65-70). Vance Worley (5-4, 3.14 ERA) will face Alfredo Simon (13-8, 3.26 ERA). Injury Update -- Charlie Morton talked to Rob Biertempfel of the Trib about his sports hernia. Morton is still uncertain on if surgery will be needed, but he still hopes to help the team out during the stretch run. #Pirates Morton says no decision yet re: possible hernia surgery. "I'm keeping all options ... Read More
Penn St. Wins Thriller In Franklin’s Debut
At Dublin, Ireland's Croke Park, the Penn State Nittany Lions (1-0) opened the season with a thrilling 26-24 victory over Central Florida (0-1) on Saturday morning. The Nittany Lions won the Dan Rooney Trophy with the victory, honoring the Pittsburgh Steelers chairman and former U.S. Ambassador to Ireland. Due to Penn State's ineligibility for postseason play, former head coach Bill O'Brien had arranged for the team to play in an international game like this one, in lieu of a bowl game. Under ... Read More
James Harrison announces retirement from NFL
Former Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker James Harrison officially announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday after being unable to land a contract in the offseason and during training camp. The five-time Pro Bowler said on his Facebook page: “I have made the difficult decision to retire today” he wrote. “My love for my family and the need to be there for them outweighs my desire to play the game. I have missed too many experiences with them because I devoted SO much time to my ... Read More
PSAC West Pigskin Preview: Cal
Coming in second in the PSAC West preseason coaches poll was California (Pa.). One year after the Vulcans had a disappointing season to its own standards, the team hopes to ride a talented and physical defense into the postseason. A year ago, the Vulcans leaned heavily on their two quarterbacks, Cody Schroeder and James Davis. Now, as Schroeder has transferred to Urbana in the Mountain East Conference, Davis is the key returner from a year ago on the offensive side of the ball. Schroder threw ... Read More
Harrison’s all-around play lifts Pirates past Reds
Josh Harrison continued his breakout season going 3-for-4 with a double, triple, RBI and a run scored while making three pivotal late-inning defensive plays to help the Pirates comeback and defeat the Reds 2-1 on Friday night in front of a sellout crowd at PNC. Harrison picked up Pirates starter Edinson Volquez numerous times throughout the game allowing Volquez to keep a no-hitter into the seventh inning. Harrison also kept the shutout alive in the sixth after Billy Hamilton walked with ... Read More
Sometimes it’s OK to be wrong
All season long, I've been on Josh Harrison. No, not in the bandwagon way, or the way that many Pittsburgh fans have been. I've been consistent in my thoughts that he was going to fall back to earth. In fact, I told people HERE that they should enjoy Harrison's play while they could, because it wouldn't stay. I heard about it from people. Trust me, I have. To this day — which is partially the reason for this column — I engage in heavily-debated discussions about Harrison's sustainability and ... Read More
Pirates North Shore parking and traffic information for Saturday
The Pittsburgh Pirates announced today parking and traffic information and tips for fans attending the game against the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday, August 30, at 4:05 p.m. Pirates fans should be aware of traffic and parking challenges presented by the Pirates’ 4:05 p.m. first pitch, which is the result of the game being selected for national telecast on FOX Sports 1, coupled with the University of Pittsburgh football game against the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens at Heinz Field beginning at ... Read More