Pittsburgh Pirates closer Mark Melancon came in for the ninth inning to close out the latest come-from-behind game, this time over the St. Louis Cardinals — and, at Busch Stadium, something made him feel at home: his typical entrance music, AC/DC's “Thunderstruck.” What followed was a scoreless inning (extending his shutout streak to 20.1 innings), good for Melancon's 26th save of the season and for a 7-5 Pittsburgh win. The Pirates have made a habit of coming back late. Tuesday, they ... Read More
Archives for July 2016
Melancon named to NL All-Star team
The MLB All-Star teams were announced Tuesday night, and closer Mark Melancon will be the lone representative for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The last time the Pirates had one representative was 2010 when relief pitcher Evan Meek represented the team. Last year, the Pirates had four representatives in pitchers A.J. Burnett, Gerrit Cole, Melancon and center fielder Andrew McCutchen. McCutchen had been a Pirates representative for four consecutive years, but below average offensive numbers ended ... Read More
Jung Ho Kang under investigation for alleged sexual assault
Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang is under investigation by Chicago police in connection with a sexual assault that allegedly took place in mid-June. In a statement, Pirates' president Frank Coonelly said: “We have been made aware of the allegation that has been made against Jung Ho Kang. We take allegations of this type extremely seriously. Pursuant to the Joint MLB/MLBPA Policy on such matters, this matter is exclusively before the Commissioner's Office at this time. We have ... Read More
Burt earns extension with Duquesne
Through three years as Duquesne women's basketball coach, Dan Burt has consistently improved the program to the point of the team's first ever NCAA Tournament berth last season. Duquesne has rewarded his commitment and improvement with an extension through the 2023-24 season. Burt is 71-30 overall with a 35-10 Atlantic 10 record in three seasons. "I would like to thank President Dougherty, incoming President Ken Gormley, the Board of Trustees and our Athletic Director, Dave Harper for ... Read More
Riverhounds earn draw in Keystone Derby
The Pittsburgh Riverhounds Round 1 match of the Keystone Derby against rivals Harrisburg City Islanders had one point going to each team. The match, which was held before the fireworks show in Pittsburgh, finished with a scoreless draw. However, the Riverhounds had plenty of chances, having nine shots the entire match. Six were on goal, but were saved by Islanders goalkeeper Nick Noble. As for the Riverhounds netminder, head coach Dave Brandt decided to switch it up again by putting Mauricio ... Read More
What to expect from Pirates’ Steven Brault
When the Pirates announced yesterday that pitcher Jameson Taillon was going on the 15-day disabled list with shoulder fatigue, the thought came that they wanted to give him some extra rest with the All-Star break coming up so that they could manage his innings now instead of shutting him down sooner at the end of the year. But with the Pirates in the midst of their biggest week of the season against the Cardinals and Cubs, it doesn't quite add up. With prized prospect Tyler Glasnow pitching ... Read More
Pirates extend win streak to six with comeback victory
Eric Fryer donned the Pittsburgh Pirates catching gear for the first time since Sept. 10, 2012, and put forth his most effective offensive performance in the Major Leagues in five years as he helped his team come from behind to defeat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-2 Tuesday night. This victory is the Pirates' sixth in a row and the fifth during the streak that's happened in come-from-behind fashion. The Pirates are now 43-41 on the season. Fryer burned his former team with a career-high three ... Read More
Despite rough first half, Pirates should buy at trade deadline
The 2016 Pittsburgh Pirates are a much different team from years past. For the first time since 2010 when they lost 52 games by the fourth of July, the Pirates (42-41) have questions regarding their role when it comes to the trade deadline. As always, the trade deadline (August 1 this year) is bound to be an exciting one. With the Pirates sitting just one game above the .500 mark, many think that it may be time to sell and bring younger talent into the organization. However, the time is now ... Read More
Pirates take opening game against Cardinals, place Taillon on DL
Prior to Monday afternoon's game, it was unclear if Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco would have the chance to be in the starting lineup. By game's end, the answer was fairly clear. Polanco homered twice in a 4-2 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals. His first home run gave the Pirates a 2-1 advantage and came in the sixth inning off Cardinals starting pitcher Carlos Martinez. John Jaso, who doubled to lead off the inning, also scored on the play. The second homer came in ... Read More
Make-or-break week on tap for Pirates
Pittsburgh ... we're here. No, I haven't suddenly turned into Bray Wyatt (wrestling is still real to me, dammit!), rather it's the most important week for the Pirates in the 2016 season. Before heading into the All-Star break, the Pirates travel to St. Louis for four games before hosting the Chicago Cubs for three entering the mid-summer classic. Make or break time for the Pirates. Coming off a series sweep of the Oakland Athletics where the Pirates earned come-from-behind wins in all ... Read More