Kevin Gorman stories, Page 35
Andrew McCutchen’s leadoff homer, Bailey Falter’s strong start lead Pirates past Brewers
After six games of scuffling, the Pittsburgh Pirates found a winning combination that worked for the second consecutive game: A leadoff home run and a quality start. Andrew McCutchen homered for the second consecutive game, and lefty Bailey Falter matched a career best with eight strikeouts over seven innings as...
Pirates put Andrew McCutchen at leadoff for a spark to end skid
With the Pittsburgh Pirates struggling offensively amid a six-game losing streak, manager Derek Shelton turned to a trusted veteran bat in search of a spark at the leadoff spot in the lineup. Andrew McCutchen understood the assignment. “I get it. It’s something that I’m familiar with,” McCutchen said. “When you...
Jared Jones sizzles again as Pirates beat Brewers to snap 6-game losing streak
Their losing streak was wearing on the Pittsburgh Pirates to the point that it showed in their body language, so Jared Jones provided the perfect antidote by turning the tables on the Milwaukee Brewers. The 22-year-old rookie right-hander strutted out to the mound with swagger, then unleashed eight fastballs that...
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jakob Junis injured during Pirates batting practice at PNC Park
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jakob Junis was hit in the back of the neck by a line drive during Pittsburgh Pirates batting practice Monday afternoon before the teams’ game at PNC Park. Trainers from both teams tended to Junis near the warning track in right field for 15 minutes before an...
‘Losing my confidence’: Pirates SS Oneil Cruz candid about struggles with strikeouts
Oneil Cruz not only leads the major leagues in strikeouts but has more than twice as many as he does hits. The Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop, who set the Statcast record for exit velocity, appears as confounded as anyone about his struggles at the plate. After his 10th consecutive game with...
‘Everybody is frustrated’: Pirates suffer 6th consecutive loss, 2nd straight series sweep
After racing out to the best record in baseball through the first 11 games, the Pittsburgh Pirates look lost amid a freefall that saw them suffer a sixth consecutive loss and second straight series sweep. The home clubhouse was mostly quiet and subdued after a 6-1 loss to the Boston...
Pirates GM Ben Cherington defends decision to limit innings for young starting pitchers
Ben Cherington didn’t just defend the Pittsburgh Pirates’ decision to limit Jared Jones to five innings at the New York Mets on Tuesday but also applauded the coaching staff for coming up with the plan. The 22-year-old rookie right-hander was pulled despite holding the Mets scoreless and to one hit...
Pirates continue to struggle with strikeouts, scoring runs in loss to Red Sox
The Pittsburgh Pirates addressed a troubling trend by increasing their hit total but had little answer for their most disturbing dilemma: They are struggling to stop striking out and score runs. The Boston Red Sox scored two runs in the first inning, and Masataka Yoshida provided the difference with a...
Kevin Gorman’s Take 5: After strong start, Pirates spiral as strengths turn to weaknesses
A seven-game road trip that ended with being swept by the New York Mets turned the Pittsburgh Pirates upside down as their strengths became weaknesses, and they spiraled after a strong start. It’s bad enough the Pirates (11-8) have lost six of their past eight games, but the fashion of...
Led by 2-run homers by Starling Marte, Harrison Bader, Mets sweep Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates are dealing with their share of problems, but none is more glaring than their sudden offensive ineffectiveness. The New York Mets held the Pirates to five hits — none over the final four innings — and got two-run homers by Starling Marte and Harrison Bader for a...
Out of alignment: Bothersome back issue sidelines Pirates 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes again
Even before Ke’Bryan Hayes was a late scratch from the starting lineup Tuesday at the New York Mets, the Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman knew lower back tightness could become an issue this season. The 2023 NL Gold Glove winner told TribLive during the opening homestand that his back continues to...
Jared Jones shows ruthless efficiency but bullpen blows lead as Mets beat Pirates
Jared Jones continues to shove with a ruthless efficiency, recording seven strikeouts without a walk while holding the New York Mets to one hit in five shutout innings. That the Pittsburgh Pirates practiced caution with his innings limit, pulling the rookie right-hander after 59 pitches, backfired when their bullpen blew...
Alika Williams embracing utility role for Pirates, proving his bat is better than expected
Alika Williams never had played anywhere but shortstop or second base before this season, when he started taking grounders at other infield positions and even shagging flies in the outfield. Williams knew his best chance of making the Pittsburgh Pirates out of spring training might be as a utility player,...
Aroldis Chapman ejected after giving up 3 runs in 8th inning as Mets rally past Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates endured another meltdown in the back end of their bullpen. This one belonged to Aroldis Chapman, who appeared angered that the strike zone was being squeezed. The seven-time All-Star reliever was ejected by home plate umpire Edwin Moscoso after surrendering a two-run double in a three-run eighth...
Nick Castellanos single lifts Phillies to walk-off win over Pirates
With one swing, Nick Castellanos turned jeers to cheers. After being booed following a strikeout in the seventh inning, Philadelphia Phillies fans celebrated when Castellanos delivered the winning single for a 4-3 walk-off win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. After striking out to strand...
First love: Now that Pirates 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes has a Gold Glove, focus turns to his hitting
Ke’Bryan Hayes finally has the hardware to prove he’s the best defensive player at his position in the National League, even if the Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman’s glove is missing its gold. Hayes uses an old Wilson model, so he isn’t allowed to adorn it with the gold patch that...
David Bednar bounces back to earn save as Pirates capitalize on Phillies errors for win
The Liberty Bell on their City Connect uniforms wasn’t the only thing with a crack in it for the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night, as their defense dealt with a night full of self-inflicted damage. David Bednar proved there’s no cracks in his confidence. The Pittsburgh Pirates’ All-Star closer rebounded...
Pirates outfielder Edward Olivares continues hot streak with 3rd consecutive 2-hit game
Even on days when the Pittsburgh Pirates aren’t making much contact, Edward Olivares continues to collect hits. The 28-year-old outfielder, acquired from the Kansas City Royals in December, had his third consecutive two-hit game for the Pirates by going 2 for 4 in Thursday’s 5-1 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies....
Jared Jones delivers another quality start but surrenders 2 homers as Phillies top Pirates
Jared Jones faced the toughest test of his young career against a Philadelphia Phillies lineup filled with All-Stars, and the Pittsburgh Pirates rookie right-hander engaged in a duel with lefty Ranger Suarez. Jones went strikeout-for-strikeout with Suarez, matching him with 31 called strikes and whiffs. The difference, however, came as...
Pirates reinstate setup man Colin Holderman from 15-day IL in time for Phillies series
The Pittsburgh Pirates ended the rehabilitation assignment of right-handed reliever Colin Holderman and reinstated him from the 15-day injured list. Holderman, who lost 15 pounds due to an illness in spring training, allowed three runs in two-thirds of an inning in his first appearance on March 29 but held opponents...
Analysis: Countdown on for Paul Skenes to check boxes, receive promotion to Pirates
As soon as the Baltimore Orioles promoted Jackson Holliday, the 2022 No. 1 overall pick and baseball’s consensus top prospect, it prompted speculation about when the Pittsburgh Pirates would do the same with top pitching prospect Paul Skenes. The answer is simple: Not yet. The 6-foot-6, 250-pound right-hander, the No....
Pirates rotation an early surprise, easing concerns with 6 consecutive quality starts
The Pittsburgh Pirates entered the offseason with one healthy, proven starting pitcher, All-Star Mitch Keller, so addressing the rotation was a top priority. General manager Ben Cherington’s efforts did little to inspire the fanbase. The only additions were a pair of veteran left-handers coming off subpar seasons, as the Pirates...
Pirates option reliever Ryder Ryan to Triple-A
The Pirates optioned right-handed reliever Ryder Ryan to Triple-A Indianapolis after Tuesday’s loss to the Detroit Tigers and will make a corresponding move before Thursday’s game at the Philadelphia Phillies. It’s expected to be righty reliever Colin Holderman, another sinkerballer who is on the taxi squad after a stint on...
All-Star closer David Bednar blows save as Tigers rally past Pirates with 4 runs in 9th
David Bednar lowered his head as he walked off the mound at PNC Park, hearing the sound of boos from Pittsburgh Pirates fans after blowing a two-run lead by surrendering four runs in the ninth inning. The Pirates got an eight-inning quality start from left-hander Martin Perez and two home...
Pirates injury report: Catcher an issue, as Jason Delay shut down from baseball activities
With three catchers out with injuries, the position is not only the walking wounded for the Pittsburgh Pirates but one with some uncertainty around the timetable for their return. With Yasmani Grandal (left plantar fasciitis) and Jason Delay (right knee inflammation) on the 10-day injured list and Endy Rodriguez out...
