Pirates
Pirates beat Cubs, 4-2, to finish homestand with sweep
By Karen PriceTravis Snider’s run-scoring triple in the second inning Thursday was clutch, but it was the finishing touch the right fielder put on the head-first slide into third base that made it even more memorable. Snider was still face down when …
Pirates notebook: Melancon relishes rare save opportunity
By Rob BiertempfelMark Melancon loves pitching in the ninth inning. “It’s so much fun to be out there, closing out the game,” Melancon said. “It’s my favorite …
Pirates outfielder Snider certainly proving to be (big) hit
By Rob BiertempfelThe first time he walked into PNC Park, Pirates outfielder Travis Snider did the usual new-arrival tour. He checked out the clubhouse, video room and …
Starter Liriano impressive again as Pirates blank Cubs
By Travis SawchikThe last time Francisco Liriano pitched this well, Cubs starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija was a 1,000-yard wide receiver for Notre Dame. Fished out of baseball’s …
Pirates notebook: Morton could be back in early June
By Travis Sawchik• What if the Pirates could add a pitcher with a 96-mph fastball and a four-pitch mix to their rotation? If all goes according to plan, the Pirates will do just that in two weeks. Charlie Morton (shoulder) made his …
Snider’s grand slam pushes Pirates to late victory over Cubs
By Rob BiertempfelOnce Matt Garza got out of the way, the Pirates were in good shape Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs. Garza held the Pirates hitless into …
Pirates notebook: Penguins jerseys in fashion for road trip
By Rob BiertempfelAs a nod to Pittsburgh’s quest for a fourth Stanley Cup, Pirates players and coaches will wear Penguins jerseys this weekend on their road trip …
Improved depth could drive Pirates’ fortunes deep into season
By Travis SawchikJust beyond the season’s quarter pole, the Pirates are on pace to win 96 games. The club is off to its best start since 1992, …
Pirates notebook: McCutchen scratched with soreness in right knee
By Travis SawchikPirates center fielder Andrew McCutchen was scratched from the lineup Sunday because of right knee soreness, but he expects to return for the Pirates’ next …
Alvarez blast propels Pirates past Astros
By Rob BiertempfelThe home run Pedro Alvarez hit Sunday afternoon was not the longest, loudest or most majestic of his career. But given the context of when …
Pirates’ bullpen falters in extra-inning loss to Astros
By Travis SawchikSo often this season, the Pirates’ bullpen bailed out a starting pitcher unable to pitch deep into a game. The bullpen posted scoreless innings, allowing …
Pirates notebook: Botched popup shocks Martin
By Karen PricePirates catcher Russell Martin was so surprised to see his ninth-inning popup drop into shallow right field Friday night that he didn’t know what to …
Pirates starters Locke, Wandy enjoying good fortune
By David GolebiewskiAfter a turbulent April, Pirates starting pitchers have the third-lowest ERA in the majors during May and boast an overall ERA (3.90) slightly under the National League average (3.96). A.J. Burnett arguably has been the league’s best starter, but two …
Starkey: Robots over umps? Yes, please
By Joe StarkeyAngel Hernandez still has a job. That’s the punch line. Hernandez is the umpire who looked at a television monitor that all but screamed “YES!” and ruled “No.” The replay clearly showed an Adam Rosales home run in the Indians-A’s …
Biertempfel: Pirates lefty Locke settles into rotation
By Rob BiertempfelAt the start of the season, Jeff Locke almost seemed like an afterthought in the starting rotation. Locke won the No. 5 spot in spring …
Pirates minor league notebook: Former 5th-round pick Glasnow shining in rotation
By Ryan PrittCHARLESTON, W.Va. — As the temperature slowly has risen, the ERAs among many West Virginia Power pitchers have fallen. One starter in particular has flashed …
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MLB
MLB notebook: Francona set for return to Boston
By Tribune-Review• Indians manager Terry Francona is bracing for a lump in his throat and maybe a tear or two. He’s going back to Boston for a four-game series beginning Thursday. For the first time as an opposing manager, Francona will …
