Pirates/MLB category, Page 76
Grand slam by Jack Suwinski, 300th HR by Andrew McCutchen help Pirates split with PhilliesVideo
The Pittsburgh Pirates were looking for a series split in their fourth and final game against the Philadelphia Phillies Sunday at Citizens Bank Park, and Jack Suwinski’s sixth-inning grand slam provided the necessary boost, powering his club to a 9-2 win. Pirates starter Mitch Keller (2-1, 4.50 ERA) recorded his...
Pirates’ Andrew McCutchen blasts elusive home run No. 300 in victory over PhilliesVideo
Andrew McCutchen probably can testify better than most that good things come to those who wait. And McCutchen, seeking his 300th career home run since Aug. 22 of last year, when he hit No. 299 off St. Louis’ Adam Wainwright, certainly had put in time searching for that elusive milestone....
Marco Gonzales heads to injured list as Pirates suffer early blow to starting rotation
Only a few weeks into the 2024 campaign, the Pittsburgh Pirates must deal with an early blow to their starting rotation, as lefty Marco Gonzales was placed on the 15-day injured list because of a left forearm muscle strain, the club announced Sunday. Last season, as a member of the...
Pirates farm report for April 13, 2024: Bubba Chandler throws 4 no-hit innings for Altoona
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 6-8) was swept by Toledo (Tigers) in a doubleheader, 13-4 and 3-2. In a makeup game from Thursday, SP Cam Alldred (10.00) yielded seven runs in the bottom of the first inning. Alldred lasted two innings. The bullpen didn’t fare much better as Kade McClure (16.88) surrendered four...
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...
Pirates farm report for April 12, 2024: Another scoreless outing for Paul Skenes with Indy
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 6-6) lost 4-3 in 11 innings to Toledo (Tigers) as RHP Paul Skenes made his third Triple-A start. Skenes (0.00) pitched 3⅓ scoreless innings, allowing three hits, all singles, and a walk with eight strikeouts. He has 19 strikeouts in 9⅓ innings with Indy. RHP Ryder Ryan (9.00)...
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....
Pirates farm report for April 11, 2024: Lonnie White Jr. hits 4th homer for Greensboro
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 6-5) and Toledo (Tigers) were rained out. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader at 2:35 p.m. Saturday. Next: Friday at Toledo (Tigers), 7:05 p.m. ALTOONA (Double-A, 3-2) and Harrisburg (Nationals) were rained out. The game will be made up as part of a...
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...
U mad, bro?: Pirates fans push back on booing of David Bednar, idea of Barry Bonds in team Hall of Fame
This week, I didn’t defend a hometown hero after he got booed at PNC Park. I suggested that a Pittsburgh sports pariah get inducted into the Pirates Hall of Fame. And I refused to advance a bogus politically correct women’s sports media narrative. So, as you could imagine, my social...
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 farm report for April 10, 2024: Nick Gonzales belts 2 more doubles, scores winning run for Indy
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 6-5) beat Toledo (Tigers), 4-3. LF Billy McKinney (.258) singled home 2B Nick Gonzales in the top of the ninth for the game-winning score. Gonzales (.391) finished 2 for 5 with a pair of doubles. 1B Jake Lamb (.371) was 2 for 4 with two singles and an...
Mark Madden: Booing David Bednar shows fair-weather Pirates fans don’t know how to support a good team
David Bednar should not be relieved of his duties as Pittsburgh Pirates closer after blowing three saves in the season’s early going. Bednar led the National League in saves with 39 last season and had an ERA of 2.00. That’s a big sample. This year, so far, is a small...
Tim Benz: Booing David Bednar doesn’t matter. How he is pitching, and how the Pirates fix him, does
Full marks to new Pittsburgh Pirate Rowdy Tellez. That was one heckuva media redirect that he orchestrated in front of David Bednar’s locker Tuesday afternoon. Before Bednar could speak with reporters in the wake of his third blown save in four opportunities this year, Tellez stepped in front of the...
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 farm report for April 9, 2024: Aaron Shackelford homers twice in Altoona walk-off win
INDIANAPOLIS (Triple-A, 5-5) lost 6-5 to Toledo (Tigers). LHP Michael Plassmeyer (0-1, 4.50) went five innings and gave up five runs, two walks and two home runs and struck out four in the loss. RHP Chris Gau (9.00) allowed a run and two walks in an inning of relief. Carmen...
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...
First Call: Steelers interviewing top-notch offensive tackle before draft; huge night for Penguins’ playoff hopes
Tuesday’s “First Call” takes a look at a high-profile offensive lineman on the Steelers’ draft board. A new Steelers defensive lineman discusses the reason why he chose Pittsburgh in free agency. We also examine the Pirates’ early offensive prowess and how the Penguins’ playoff prospects could be impacted by many...
Tim Benz: It’s time to put Barry Bonds in the Pirates Hall of Fame
Later this month, the Pittsburgh Pirates are expected to release the names of the franchise’s 2024 Hall of Fame inductees. It would be wise to include Barry Bonds’ name on that list. They should also include plans to retire his No. 24. People who have read my posts or listened...
Bryan Reynolds becomes 25th player in Pirates history to hit 100 home runs
Bryan Reynolds has been aware since last season that he was approaching his 100th career home run, so the Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder was just waiting for the right pitch. Although the majority of his homers have come against right-handed pitchers, Reynolds was batting .333 (5 for 15) against lefties this...
