Extra innings: two words Pirates fans have become accustomed to hearing at PNC Park and Friday was no different. It was the fourth extra inning game played in the past nine home contests. This time, however, Jordy Mercer had the walk off hit against Jason Grilli to send the 34,220 fans happy with a 3-2 Pirates victory over the Atlanta Braves. This, a day after losing a 13-inning game to the Cincinnati Reds. “It’s the kind of baseball that we play and we’ve done it time after time," Pedro ... Read More
Archives for June 2015
Altoona Curve honor a ‘special friend’
Altoona will be a “part of the neighborhood” on July 5 as the Curve, the Pirates’ AA affiliate, plans to celebrate the legendary Mr. Rogers by wearing special jerseys that are detailed to look like the now infamous cardigan and necktie. The Curve will honor Rogers’ lifelong work by conducting “A Night in the Neighborhood” that will benefit the American Rescue Workers, as attendees are encouraged to donate new or gently-worn sweaters and other clothing. Bins to collect the items will be placed ... Read More
Regional junior players headline NHL draft
The Pittsburgh Penguins did not have a first-round pick, but three players with regional junior hockey ties were taken in the first round of the 2015 NHL draft on Friday. The draft, hosted by the Florida Panthers, will continue with rounds two through seven on Saturday. The Erie Otters of the Ontario Hockey League had two players taken in the top three picks: center Connor McDavid was taken with the first overall pick by the Edmonton Oilers and fellow forward Dylan Strome went to the ... Read More
Pirates pregame 6/26: Deolis Guerra next up in thin bullpen; Grilli makes Pittsburgh return
The Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up a six-game homestand with a three-game set starting tonight against the Atlanta Braves. Something will give as the Pirates have lost their past two games but are 9-0 against NL East opponents at PNC Park this season. Last night, the Pirates played for nearly five hours in a 5-4, 13-inning loss. "We just had a lot of bad luck last night and it seems like a lot of the balls we hit might usually leave the ballpark for home runs and instead landed on the ... Read More
Pirates fielding versatility can help preserve the bullpen
A baseball team having only four bench players is usually not an ideal situation for that team. But for the Pittsburgh Pirates, they can afford to do so for a short time. The bench fell short a man Wednesday after Corey Hart was placed on the 15-day disabled list and pitcher Chris Volstad took his spot on the 25-man roster. It was a much needed addition to the Pirate bullpen that combined to throw 12 1/3 third innings the previous three days. It is a loophole that is probably used more than ... Read More
Reese Dismukes one of several intriguing free agent signees for Steelers
Considering the career offensive lineman Reese Dismukes had at Auburn University, it would have been pretty easy to think he would be selected at some point in the 2015 NFL Draft. After all, Dismukes resume speaks volumes. As a 50-game starter and two-time All-SEC performer, Dismukes was a key player for one of the top programs in the country. He was the anchor of an offensive line that helped pave the way for one of the most explosive offenses in the NCAA. Last season, his stellar career ... Read More
BP phones home; Pirates fall in extra innings
Restless Pittsburgh Pirates fans waited out a long rain delay however over 4.5 hours into its game against the Cincinnati Reds, the patience did not pay off. Brandon Phillips hit his fourth home run of the season in the 13th inning off Rob Scahill [2-4] allowing the Reds to win 5-4. The Pirates had numerous opportunities to get a go-ahead or game-winning hit however the ball did not carry and instead made loud outs. “I feel like there were balls hit today that a lot of times go out but they ... Read More
Pirates pregame 6/25: Kang makes defensive strides; law of averages comes into question
It is the rubber match between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cincinnati Reds as each team won a game in the first two days of the series. The Pirates won a 7-6 decision on Tuesday and the Reds countered with a 5-2 victory Wednesday. The loss Wednesday also saw Gerrit Cole have his shortest outing while allowing the most runs in a start this season. “It boiled down to me not making pitches and just being flat," Cole said. "It happens sometimes.” Tonight the Pirates will have A.J. Burnett toe the ... Read More
WPIAL passing leader Brett Brumbaugh arrested
Brett Brumbaugh, WPIAL’s all-time passing leader and a Duquesne University football recruit, has been charged with loitering and prowling and resisting arrest. Brumbaugh, 18, led the South Fayette Lions to back-to-back WPIAL and PIAA Double-A titles in 2013 and 2014 and is the all-time WPIAL passing leader with 9,644 yards. In November, Brumbaugh committed to play quarterback at Duquesne University. He also played for the Pennsylvania team in last weekend’s Big 33 game against ... Read More
Bell, Diaz to represent Pirates at MLB Futures Game
A pair of Pittsburgh Pirates minor-leaguers will represent the organization at the 2015 MLB All-Star Futures Game. The game, part of the MLB All-Star Game festivities, will be held at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Sunday, July 12. Representing the Buccos will be Indianapolis Indians catcher Elias Diaz and Altoona Curve first baseman Josh Bell. Diaz, 24, is batting .281 with 11 doubles and 25 RBI in 57 games with the triple-A Indians. He has also caught 9-of-31 base ... Read More