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Thursday, June 13, 2013

BREAKING NEWS: Pirates Announce Signing of Freddy Sanchez

Posted on June 13, 2013 at 10:17 PM.

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The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced the signing of 2006 National League batting champion Freddy Sanchez.

Sanchez, a former Pirate, was traded to the San Francisco Giants on July 29, 2009. Sanchez would sign a two year extension with the Giants in October 2009. Sanchez got to experience the opposite end of the spectrum with the Giants in 2010, as he was part of a core that led the Giants to an NL West division title and eventually a World Series title.

On June 10, 2011, Sanchez dislocated his shoulder diving for a groundball by Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips. On August 1, it was announced that Sanchez would have season-ending surgery. Sanchez would start 2012 on the disabled list, only to be announced on July 5, that he would miss the rest of the season after undergoing back surgery.

Even at the age of 35, Sanchez brings some potential pop to the Pirates bench, one area that may be of concern.

Sanchez's contract is for 2 years, 1.72M, with a club option for a third year.

Sanchez will head to Triple-A Indianapolis. In related moves, the Pirates have designated SS John McDonald for assignment. In 47 AB, McDonald has 9 hits, with a .191 AVG. The Pirates have recalled 2B Jordy Mercer.

BREAKING NEWS: Dodgers, Cardinals Agree to Trade

Posted on June 13, 2013 at 09:35 PM.

(0)

The Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a trade, sending SP Jaime Garcia and RP Edward Mujica to LA and RP M Guerrier and SS D Gordon to St. Louis.

Jaime Garcia

Edward Mujica

Dee Gordon

Matt Guerrier

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Series Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates @ Los Angeles Angels

Posted on June 12, 2013 at 10:13 PM.

(0)

Series Preview | June 21-23, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates
(44-30, 20-15 Away)

Los Angeles Angels
(45-29, 24-16 Home)

Team Comparison
.277	AVG	.264
.471	SLG	.439
.287	OBP	.327
2.99	ERA	3.71

Pitching Probables
Cole (1-0, 1.20)	Game 1	Blanton (2-2, 4.37)
Liriano (4-2, 3.31)	Game 2	Weaver (7-3, 3.68)
Burnett (8-2, 3.65)	Game 3	Wilson (3-1, 2.76)

Game Notes
- The Pirates currently sit 4 games ahead of the Cardinals for first place in the NL Central. - The Angels currently sit 7.5 games ahead of the Athletics for first place in the AL West. - Angels CF Mike Trout still has three days left on his DL stint with a finger contusion.

Regular Season Game #74: Pittsburgh Pirates @ Cincinnati Reds

Posted on June 12, 2013 at 08:36 PM.

(0)

June 19, 2013
7:10PM

Great American Ballpark - Cincinnati, OH
Weather: 64�, Clear
Attendance: 20,969

Game #74: Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds
Jun 20, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extras	R	H	E
Pittsburgh (44-30)	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0 0 0	1	8	0
Cincinnati (39-35)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0 0 1	2	15	1
W: Nick Masset (5-1) L: Mark Melancon (3-3) S: N/A

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: S. Marte (17), A. McCutchen (18) HR: A. McCutchen (24) RBI: A. McCutchen (40) SAC: J. McDonald 2 GIDP: P. Alvarez
BASERUNNING SB: A. McCutchen 3 (19)

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
J. McDonald	8.0	8	0	0	1	4	1.61
J. Grilli (BS, 1)	1.0	2	1	1	0	1	0.59
D. Welker	1.2	2	0	0	1	2	0.00
M. Melancon (L, 3-3)	0.2	2	1	1	2	0	3.42
J. Hughes	0.0	1	0	0	0	0	2.70
PITCHING WP: J. McDonald (3)

Cincinnati Reds
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: D. Mesoraco (3) HR: J. Bruce (14) RBI: J. Bruce (46), C. Heisey (9) GIDP: D. Mesoraco, M. Olt
FIELDING E: S. Le Cure (1)

Cincinnati Reds
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
B. Arroyo	7.0	5	1	1	1	4	3.86
S. Le Cure	1.0	2	0	0	1	1	3.24
D. Oliver	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	3.11
J. Broxton	2.0	1	0	0	0	4	3.72
N. Masset (W, 5-1)	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	4.12

Grilli's First Blown Save Leads to Reds Walk-Off in 12th

CINCINNATI - After shutting out the Reds in the previous two games, the Pirates looked to take the series from the Reds, pushing them further back in NL Central contention. The pitching matchup on paper looked to be a good one, as James McDonald took the mound to oppose Bronson Arroyo.

In the top of the 1st, Andrew McCutchen would walk with two outs, followed by a steal of second base to put himself in scoring position. But Pedro Alvarez would strike out on an 0-2 count to strand McCutchen at second. In the bottom of the 1st, Brandon Phillips singled with two outs. Phillips would reach second on a wild pitch from James McDonald, putting him into scoring position. Jay Bruce then singled to left, causing Phillips to come around home, only to be called out at the plate to end the inning.

After a scoreless 2nd inning, Michael McKenry led off the top of the 3rd with a single, then being sacrificed to second by McDonald. After Starling Marte grounded out, which advanced McKenry to third, Asdrubal Cabrera grounded out to Brandon Phillips to end the Pirates half of the 3rd. In the top of the 4th, Andrew McCutchen got the Pirates on the board with a lead-off solo shot, giving the Pirates a 1-0 lead.

Pitching would dominate in the 5th inning, sending the game 1-0 into the 6th. Starling Marte lead off with a double, but would be called out at third attempting to make it a triple. Asdrubal followed with a single that lined off of Arroyo, followed by a single from McCutchen to put two on with one out. Pedro Alvarez would ground into a double play to end the threat and the inning.

In the bottom of the 7th, with one out, Mike Olt hit a deep fly ball to left field, but it would go foul. McDonald would lock in and get the Reds in order. In the top of the 8th, McKenry reached on a fielding error, then advancing to second on a sacrifice from James McDonald. Then with two outs, Asdrubal Cabrera singled. With third base coach Nick Leyva waving him around, Michael McKenry charged for home, only to be gunned down to end the inning.

After a scoreless top of the 9th, Jason Grilli was called upon, looking for his 27th save of the season. But Jay Bruce wasn't about to let Grilli collect the save or the Pirates the win, as he crushed a 1-2 pitch to deep left field to tie the game at 1.

Pitching would lock down in extra innings, as each team was getting low on pitchers and position players. With Mark Melancon pitching, Choo lines out, followed by a walk issued to Lutz. Brandon Phillips then singled, advancing Lutz to third. Jay Bruce then walked, loading the bases with one out. Jared Hughes was called upon to get the Pirates out of the jam, but allowed a walk-off hit to Chris Heisey, scoring Donald Lutz to give the Reds a 2-1 victory.

Player of the Game:

The Pirates continue their road trip tomorrow night, as they head out to Los Angeles to square off against the Angels. Gerrit Cole makes his third start of his MLB career, opposing Joe Blanton. First pitch, 10:05PM.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Regular Season Game #73: Pittsburgh Pirates @ Cincinnati Reds

Posted on June 10, 2013 at 10:07 PM.

(0)

June 19, 2013
7:10PM

Great American Ballpark - Cincinnati, OH
Weather: 64�, Clear
Attendance: 20,969

Game #73: Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds
Jun 19, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Pittsburgh (44-29)	0	0	1	1	0	0	1	0	0	3	6	0
Cincinnati (38-35)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2	0
W: Wandy Rodriguez (8-5) L: Mike Leake (3-6) S: N/A

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING HR: P. Alvarez (22), R. Martin (12), T. Snider (10) RBI: P. Alvarez (54), R. Martin (30), T. Snider (25) GIDP: F. Pie

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
W. Rodriguez (W, 8-5)	9.0	2	0	0	3	8	2.45

Cincinnati Reds
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: J. Hannahan (8) HBP: R. Ludwick

Cincinnati Reds
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
M. Leake (L, 3-6)	6.0	5	2	2	0	4	5.99
D. Oliver	0.1	1	1	1	0	1	3.19
C. Hensley	1.2	0	0	0	0	1	1.42
M. Parra	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	6.39

Wandy Blanks Reds on Two Hit Shutout

CINCINNATI - After a dominant pitching performance from A.J. Burnett in game two of the four game set, the Pirates sent veteran lefty Wandy Rodriguez to the mound to oppose Mike Leake. Rodriguez has flirted with complete games in his past couple starts, but has come up short after losing control in the ninth inning.

In the top of the 1st, Travis Snider singled with one out, then advancing to second on a single by Pedro Alvarez. Garrett Jones would strike out to end the inning. Rodriguez made quick work of the Reds in the bottom of the 1st, getting Phillips, Hannahan, and Votto to fly out to end the 1st. Mike Leake countered with a quick 1-2-3 in the top of the 2nd, getting Russell Martin, Felix Pie, and Clint Barmes to ground out. After walking Jay Bruce to lead off the bottom of the 2nd, Rodriguez hit former Bucco Ryan Ludwick to put two on with one out. But Wandy would get Hanigan and Negro to strike out to end the inning.

With two outs in the top of the 3rd, Travis Snider crushed a solo shot to center field, giving the Pirates a 1-0 lead.

Following the homer, Andrew McCutchen hit a ball that looked like it could be trouble, but was robbed by Chris Heisey to end the inning. Rodriguez made quick work of the Reds in the bottom of the 3rd, retiring the side in order. Leading off the top of the 4th, Pedro Alvarez hit a solo dinger, putting the Pirates up 2-0.

Russell Martin would single with one out, but would be called out at second on a double play by Felix Pie to end the top of the 4th. Ground outs were the story in the bottom of the 4th, as Rodriguez retired the side again in quick fashion. The 5th and 6th innings were a pitchers dual, with neither pitching allowing a hit or a walk. In the top of the 7th, after Darren Oliver struck out Garrett Jones, Russell Martin hit a solo shot that barely stayed fair, giving Rodriguez and the Pirates a 3-0 cushion.

Cruising through the remaining innings, Rodriguez would be called upon to finish off the Reds in the bottom of the 9th. Votto would single with one out and Heisey would walk with two outs, putting two men on and bringing Ryan Ludwick to the plate. Rodriguez would get Ludwick to line out to McCutchen to end the game.

Player of the Game:

The Pirates and Reds will meet in the rubber game of this four game set, as the Pirates look to take the series, sending James McDonald to the mound to oppose Bronson Arroyo. First pitch, 12:35PM.

Regular Season Game #72: Pittsburgh Pirates @ Cincinnati Reds

Posted on June 10, 2013 at 12:12 AM.

(0)

June 18, 2013
7:10PM

Great American Ballpark - Cincinnati, OH
Weather: 62�, Clear
Attendance: 22,016

Game #72: Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds
Jun 18, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Pittsburgh (43-29)	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	3	8	0
Cincinnati (38-34)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	0
W: A.J. Burnett (8-2) L: Johnny Cueto (6-6) S: N/A

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING HR: G. Jones 2 (23) RBI: G. Jones 2 (42), P. Alvarez (53)
BASERUNNING SB: S. Marte 2 (10)

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
A. Burnett (W, 8-2)	9.0	4	0	0	1	9	3.65

Cincinnati Reds
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: J. Hannahan (7) SAC: J. Cueto

Cincinnati Reds
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
J. Cueto (L, 6-6)	6.0	5	2	2	0	7	3.63
J. Broxton	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	3.93
N. Masset	0.2	2	1	1	0	2	4.22
M. Parra	0.1	0	0	0	0	1	6.60
C. Hensley	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	1.64

Silenced: Burnett Throws Complete Game, Shut-Out Gem

CINCINNATI - With an extremely well played, back and forth game one, the Pirates and Reds met again for game two of the four game set, with ace A.J. Burnett taking the mound for the Pirates, opposing Cincinnati ace Johnny Cueto. Pitching, on paper, looked like it would set the tone for the game.

In the top of the 1st inning, after Starling Marte struck out to lead off, Asdrubal Cabrera singled for the first hit of the game. Andrew McCutchen would then fly out, followed by a ground out from Pedro Alvarez to end the top of the 1st. The bottom of the 1st wouldn't go any better for the Reds, as Phillips, Hannahan, and Votto all flied out to end the inning.

The Pirates struck first in the top of the 2nd, as Garrett Jones led off with a solo shot to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead.

After Gaby Sanchez struck out, Russell Martin lined to right for a single, only to be stranded as Barmes and Burnett grounded out to end the top of the 2nd. Burnett would allow a two out single to Ryan Hanigan in the bottom of the 2nd, but would get Mike Olt to ground out, ending the inning.

Burnett and Cueto locked in, taking the sides down for the 3rd through 6th innings. It wasn't until the top of the 7th that the Pirates would strike again, as Garrett Jones would hit his second home run of the game, giving the Pirates a 2-0 lead.

After Burnett got through the bottom of the 7th with ease, Starling Marte led off the 8th with a single, then stealing second with no outs. After Asdrubal Cabrera struck out and Andrew McCutchen at the plate, Marte then stole third. McCutchen would strike out, but Marte would score on a singled lined to right by Pedro Alvarez, putting the Pirates up 3-0.

After a 1-2-3 top of the 9th, A.J. Burnett took the mound, looking for a complete game shut out. Hannahan led off with a double to deep right field, putting a runner in scoring position with no outs. But Burnett would get Joey Votto to strike out, Chris Heisey to ground out, and former Bucco Ryan Ludwick to strike out looking to end the game.

Player of the Game:

With the Pirates and Reds splitting the first two games of the series, Wandy Rodriguez takes the mound for the Pirates, opposing Mike Leake for the Reds. First pitch, 7:10PM.

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Regular Season Game #71: Pittsburgh Pirates @ Cincinnati Reds

Posted on June 9, 2013 at 07:16 PM.

(0)

June 17, 2013
7:10PM

Great American Ballpark - Cincinnati, OH
Weather: 67�, Clear
Attendance: 21,623

Game #71: Pittsburgh Pirates at Cincinnati Reds
Jun 17, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Pittsburgh (42-29)	0	0	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	3	5	0
Cincinnati (38-33)	0	0	0	2	0	0	2	0	X	4	5	0
W: Clay Hensley (1-0) L: Francisco Liriano (4-2) S: Aroldis Chapman (23)

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: P. Alvarez (16) HR: G. Sanchez (7) RBI: G. Sanchez 3 (15) SAC: F. Liriano

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
F. Liriano (L, 4-2)	7.0	5	4	4	2	9	3.31
C. Leroux	1.0	0	0	0	0	3	3.52

Cincinnati Reds
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING HR: R. Hanigan (10), M. Olt (2) RBI: R. Hanigan 2 (30), M. Olt 2 (6) HBP: C. Izturis SAC: M. Latos
BASERUNNING CS: B. Phillips (1)

Cincinnati Reds
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
M. Latos	6.0	5	3	3	1	7	4.57
C. Hensley (W, 1-0)	1.0	0	0	0	0	3	1.80
D. Oliver (H, 11)	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	2.97
A. Chapman (S, 23)	1.0	0	0	0	1	1	1.78

jOLTed: Olt's Two-Run Blast in 7th Sends Reds to Thrilling Victory

CINCINNATI - After an outstanding home stand against the Giants and Dodgers, the Pirates head on the road for a critical nine game stretch. With a four game series upcoming against the Reds, the Pirates see the Angels and Mariners ahead. Looking to extend their NL Central lead, the Pirates send lefty Francisco Liriano to the mound to oppose righty Mat Latos.

Latos got off to a quick start in the top of the 1st, getting Starling Marte to strike out on three pitches. Travis Snider and Pedro Alvarez would each ground out to end the top of the 1st. In the bottom of the 1st, Liriano would allow a lead off single to Brandon Phillips, but would get Izturis and Votto to fly out, followed by Phillips being caught stealing to end the inning.

After a scoreless top of the 2nd, Liriano would get Jay Bruce to strike out and Heisey to ground out, but would walk Ludwick on four pitches. Ryan Hanigan would then strike out on an 0-2 count to end the inning. Liriano and Latos would each make it through the 3rd unscathed. But in the top of the 4th, Latos would run into big trouble, as Travis Snider singled with one out, followed by a double from Pedro Alvarez to put runners on second and third. Gaby Sanchez would then hit a dinger to straight away center field, scoring Snider and Alvarez to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead.

In the bottom of the 4th, after Bruce grounded out and Heisey struck out, Ryan Ludwick singled. Ryan Hanigan then hit a 2-run blast to bring the Reds to within one.

The 5th and 6th innings showed no signs of offense, as each pitcher retired the respective sides in order. With Latos out of the game, Hensley took over on the mound. Hensley would get Inge, Pie, and Barmes to strike out to retire the side in 1-2-3 order. Liriano got Ryan Ludwick to strike out to lead off the bottom of the 7th, but issued a walk to Hanigan, who would then score on a 2-run blast from Mike Olt to give the Reds a 4-3 lead. Starling Marte made a fantastic attempt to catch the homer, only inches away.

Aroldis Chapman was called upon in the 9th, getting Pedro Alvarez to line out leading off. Chapman then walked Sanchez, followed by Russell Martin reaching on a fielders choice. With two outs, Brandon Inge stepped in looking to score Russell, but would ultimately strike out to end the game.

Player of the Game:

The Pirates and Reds face off in game two of this four game set tomorrow evening, as A.J. Burnett takes the mound to oppose Johnny Cueto. First pitch, 7:10PM.

BREAKING NEWS: Mariners, Nationals Agree to Trade

Posted on June 9, 2013 at 05:29 PM.

(1)

The Seattle Mariners and Washington Nationals have agreed to a trade, sending RP Drew Storen to Seattle, with SP Taijuan Walker and C Mike Zunino to Washington.

Drew Storen

Taijuan Walker

Mike Zunino

Series Preview: Pittsburgh Pirates @ Cincinnati Reds

Posted on June 9, 2013 at 12:56 PM.

(0)

Series Preview | June 17-20, 2013

Pittsburgh Pirates
(42-28, 18-13 Away)

Cincinnati Reds
(37-33, 17-19 Home)

Team Comparison
.281	AVG	.266
.291	OBP	.325
.476	SLG	.421
3.08	ERA	4.26

Pitching Probables
Liriano (4-1, 3.04)	Game 1	Latos (1-1, 4.60)
Burnett (7-2, 3.99)	Game 2	Cueto (6-5, 3.67)
Rodriguez (7-5, 2.68)	Game 3	Leake (3-5, 6.23)
McDonald (6-4, 1.75)	Game 4	Arroyo (9-4, 4.05)

Game Notes
- Entering the series, the Pirates hold a five game lead over the Reds - The Pirates come off a sweep of the Giants and two out of three from the Dodgers - The Reds swept a four game set from the Cubs in Chicago, but just got swept by the Brewers in Cincinnati

Regular Season Game #70: Los Angeles Dodgers @ Pittsburgh Pirates

Posted on June 9, 2013 at 11:14 AM.

(0)

Father's Day
June 16, 2013
1:35PM

PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
Weather: 76�, Cloudy
Attendance: 27,211

Game #70: Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates
Jun 16, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Los Angeles (38-30)	0	0	0	0	0	1	1	0	0	2	6	0
Pittsburgh (42-28)	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	1	X	3	12	1
W: Duke Welker (1-0) L: Chris Capuano (4-3) S: Jason Grilli (26)

Los Angeles Dodgers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: A. Gonzalez (14) HR: H. Ramirez (12) RBI: A. Gonzalez (47), H. Ramirez (35) SAC: J. Beckett
BASERUNNING SB: C. Crawford (16)

Los Angeles Dodgers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
J. Beckett	7.0	10	2	2	0	2	2.21
C. Capuano (L, 4-3)	0.0	1	1	1	0	0	3.78
M. Guerrier	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	3.52

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING HR: A. McCutchen (23), G. Jones (21), A. Cabrera (10) RBI: A. McCutchen (39), G. Jones (40), A. Cabrera (25) SAC: G. Cole GIDP: C. Barmes
BASERUNNING SB: A. McCutchen (16) CS: A. McCutchen (5)
FIELDING E: A. Cabrera (8)

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
G. Cole	7.0	5	2	2	1	10	1.20
D. Welker (W, 1-0)	1.0	1	0	0	1	1	0.00
J. Grilli (S, 26)	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0.31

McCutchen's Solo Shot in the 8th Pushes Pirates Past Dodgers for Series

PITTSBURGH - Before the first pitch was even thrown, this game had all the makings to be a great. As fans packed into PNC Park for a Father's Day matinee, they were awaiting a pitching matchup treat of Gerrit Cole, making his second MLB start, against Dodgers ace Josh Beckett.

Gerrit Cole was absolutely phenomenal in his first start against the Giants; however, the Giants lineup doesn't nearly pack the punch of the Dodgers. But Cole would show early he doesn't care who's in the lineup, as he would get Carl Crawford and Adrian Gonzalez to strike out in the top of the 1st.

In the bottom of the 1st, with two outs, Andrew McCutchen reached on a ball grounded off Hanley Ramirez. McCutchen would then steal second with Alvarez batting, only before he would strike out to end the 1st. The top of the 2nd went much of the same for Cole, as he got Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier to strike out back-to-back, followed by a ground out from Hanley Ramirez to end the inning.

Josh Beckett got into a jam in the bottom of the 2nd, as Travis Snider and Michael McKenry each singled with one out. But, as seen so often this season, Clint Barmes would ground into a double play to end the 2nd. Gerrit Cole allowed his first hit of the game in the top of the 3rd, a single to AJ Ellis. Ellis would be stranded at second, as Carl Crawford grounded out to end the inning.

The pitching from Cole and Beckett dominated into the 6th inning, when Carl Crawford hit a bunt single to reach first with one out. After stealing second, Crawford reached third on a groundout by Nick Punto. Adrian Gonzalez was up next, working the count to 2-2, then hitting a single to score Crawford to give the Dodgers a 1-0 lead.

Cole would get out of the 6th without any further damage. But the Pirates would get right back into the game, as Asdrubal Cabrera homered to right on a 1-2 pitch, tying the game at 1.

After Andrew McCutchen and Pedro Alvarez each ground out, Garrett Jones crushed a ball almost out of PNC Park, giving the Pirates a 2-1 lead.

But the Dodgers weren't down yet, as Hanley Ramirez hit a lead off solo shot in the 7th, tying the game up at two.

After allowing his first home run of the season, Cole would get through the 7th and leave to a standing ovation from the home crowd of over 27,000. Duke Welker was called upon in the top of the 8th, looking to keep his stellar 0.00ERA in tact. After getting Punto to ground out, Adrian Gonzalez took advantage of the Pirates defensive shift, doubling to left with one out. Welker would then walk Matt Kemp, putting two on with one out. But Welker would get Andre Ethier to fly out and Hanley Ramirez to strike out to end the threat and the inning.

With Josh Beckett done for the day, Chris Capuano was called upon to face the heart of the Pirates lineup in the bottom of the 8th. Capuano, however, wouldn't get past McCutchen as he allowed a solo shot to deep left, putting the Pirates ahead 3-2.

Matt Guerrier would come in to finish the 8th, getting Alvarez, Jones, and McKenry to fly out to end the inning. With the bottom of the order coming to bat in the top of the 9th, the Dodgers looked lifeless, going up against Jason Grilli, who was looking for his 26th save. After getting Cruz to strike out, his fourth on the day, Ellis and Schumaker each grounded out to end the game.

Player of the Game:

The Pirates head on the road for a crucial nine game stretch, starting with a four game set against the Reds. Game one features Francisco Liriano opposing Mat Latos. First pitch, 7:10PM.

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Roster Moves: 6/15/2013

Posted on June 8, 2013 at 09:08 PM.

(0)

by Tom Singer / MLB.com / June 15, 2013

The Pirates announced the following roster move today:

Tony Watson Promoted to MLB
In 13.1 innings in AAA, Watson allowed no runs on six hits, while striking out twenty.

Justin Wilson Optioned to AAA
In 13.2 inning in Pittsburgh, Wilson had a 5.27 ERA, while striking out seven and walking one.

Regular Season Game #69: Los Angeles Dodgers @ Pittsburgh Pirates

Posted on June 8, 2013 at 12:40 PM.

(0)

June 15, 2013
4:05PM

PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
Weather: 71�, Overcast
Attendance: 27,574

Game #69: Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates
Jun 15, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Los Angeles (38-29)	1	0	0	0	2	0	1	1	2	7	11	0
Pittsburgh (41-28)	0	0	0	0	1	0	1	1	0	3	7	0
W: Chad Billingsley (5-4) L: James McDonald (6-4) S: Kenley Jansen (1)

Los Angeles Dodgers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: C. Billingsley (2), C. Crawford (18), A. Ellis (9) HR: L. Cruz (3) RBI: C. Crawford 3 (32), A. Gonzalez (46), L. Cruz (17), N. Punto 2 (25)
BASERUNNING SB: D. Gordon (7) CS: H. Ramirez (3)

Los Angeles Dodgers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
C. Billingsley (W, 5-4)	7.1	7	3	3	0	3	3.93
K. Jansen (S, 1)	1.2	0	0	0	0	1	1.26

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING 2B: J. McDonald (2), A. McCutchen (17), B. Inge (3) HR: G. Jones (20) RBI: G. Jones 2 (39), B. Inge (18) GIDP: A. McCutchen, T. Snider

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
J. McDonald (L, 6-4)	4.2	7	3	3	2	2	1.75
J. Karstens	3.1	2	2	2	0	1	4.56
J. Wilson	1.0	2	2	2	1	1	5.27

Win Streak Halted at Eight as Dodgers Pound Pirates

PITTSBURGH - After a win in game one of the series, the Pirates and Dodgers squared off in game two of the series. Taking the mound for the Pirates, James McDonald who has been quite impressive thus far. Opposing McDonald, Dodgers righty Chad Billingsley looking for his fifth win on the season.

James McDonald didn't look like himself from the get go, allowing a single to Dee Gordon to lead off the top of the 1st inning. After Gordon stole second, he advanced to third on a sac fly from Carl Crawford. After Adrian Gonzalez popped out, Nick Punto lined to left for a single, scoring Gordon to give the Dodgers a 1-0 lead.

McDonald would strike out Hanley Ramirez to end the inning. With one out, Cabrera singled, but would fall victim to an Andrew McCutchen double play to end the inning. After McDonald got through the top of the 2nd, Garrett Jones singled with one out in the bottom of the 2nd, but as he did in the 1st, Billingsley got Travis Snider to ground into a double play to end the inning.

McDonald ran into trouble in the top of the 3rd, as he allowed a single to Gonzalez with two outs, followed by a walk issued to Gonzalez. After a balk advanced the runners to second and third, Punto would ground out to McDonald to end the inning. After a scoreless 4th, McDonald walked Skip Schumaker on a 3-2 pitch, followed by a double from Crawford, advancing Schumaker to third. Adrian Gonzalez grounded out, scoring Schumaker to put the Dodgers up 2-0. Punto would follow with a single, scoring Crawford to give the Dodgers a 3-0 lead.

Making it only 4 2/3 innings with a pitch count at 96, Clint Hurdle had to turn to his bullpen early, calling upon Jeff Karstens to keep the Pirates in the game. Karstens would get Ramirez to ground out to end the inning. Garrett Jones would answer in the bottom of the 5th, hitting a solo shot to right field, cutting the lead to 2.

Jeff Karstens attempted to get the Pirates going in the bottom of the 6th, only to be robbed on an amazing catch by Nick Punto.

After a scoreless 6th, Chad Billingsley led off the 7th with a double, later scoring on a ground out by Crawford to push the Dodgers lead to 4-1. In the top of the 8th, Luis Cruz homered off the left field foul poll, push the Dodgers lead back up to 3.

The Pirates would attempt a rally in the bottom of the 8th, as John McDonald hit a double, then scoring on a pinch hit double from Brandon Inge to bring the Pirates back to within 2. With Karstens being pinch hit for, Justin Wilson took the mound for the Pirates and lost control of the game. A walk to Puig and a single from Uribe put two on with no outs. Crawford would then hit a bases clearing single, scoring Puig and Uribe to give the Dodgers a 7-3 lead.

Kenley Jansen would get the Pirates in order in the bottom of the 9th, getting McCutchen and Alvarez to fly out, with Jones striking out to end the game.

Player of the Game:

The Pirates and Dodgers meet in the rubber match of this three game set, as Gerrit Cole makes his second start of his MLB career, opposing Josh Beckett.

**I have no idea why this has Billingsley pitching again. But it should be Beckett. I think there's some issues with Dodgers on this game.**

Regular Season Game #68: Los Angeles Dodgers @ Pittsburgh Pirates

Posted on June 8, 2013 at 12:22 AM.

(0)

June 14, 2013
7:05PM

PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
Weather: 55�, Clear
Attendance: 26,453

Game #68: Los Angeles Dodgers at Pittsburgh Pirates
Jun 14, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Los Angeles (37-29)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	7	0
Pittsburgh (41-27)	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	2	5	0
W: Wandy Rodriguez (7-5) L: Zack Greinke (2-7) S: Jason Grilli (25)

Los Angeles Dodgers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BASERUNNING SB: H. Ramirez (8)

Los Angeles Dodgers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Z. Greinke (L, 2-7)	7.0	4	2	2	0	2	3.76
P. Moylan	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	4.70

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING HR: A. McCutchen (22), A. Cabrera (9) RBI: A. McCutchen (38), A. Cabrera (24)
BASERUNNING SB: S. Marte (8)

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
W. Rodriguez (W, 7-5)	8.0	6	0	0	1	6	2.68
J. Grilli (S, 25)	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	0.32

Cabrera, McCutchen Back Wandy's Gem for Eight Straight Win

PITTSBURGH - With the Los Angeles Dodgers coming into town for a three game weekend series, the Pirates new they were not only going to face some great pitching, but the were also going to see some great hitting. Looking to keep the Pirates win streak alive, Wandy Rodriguez took the mound to oppose a familiar face in Zack Greinke.

The first inning saw both teams swinging away, as both Rodriguez and Greinke got out of their respective halves of the inning under ten pitches. In the top of the 2nd, Nelson Cruz reached first on a pitch that deflected off of Pedro Alvarez. Cruz would be stranded at first as A.J. Ellis struck out on a 3-2 pitch to end the inning.

Pedro Alvarez got the first Pirates hit on the board in the bottom of the 2nd with a single, but fly outs from Jones, Sanchez, and Martin would put the Pirates away. The 3rd inning was much the same, with both pitchers locked in and keep the offenses at bay. In the top of the 4th with two outs, Hanley Ramirez singled and then stole second, putting himself in scoring position with Yasiel Puig up to bat. Puig would line out to Andrew McCutchen to end the inning.

After a scoreless 5th, Zack Greinke look to get the Dodgers offense going, as he led off the top of the 6th with a single. Schumaker would then fly out, followed by strikeouts from Crawford and Gonzalez to end the inning. In the bottom of the 6th with one out, Asdrubal Cabrera hit a solo home run on a 2-2 pitch to put the Pirates up 1-0. Andrew McCutchen would follow on the next pitch, blasting a solo shot to push the Pirates lead to 2-0.

With the score 2-0 heading into the top of the 9th, Wandy Rodriguez would come out looking to get a complete game victory. But singles from Adrian Gonzalz and Hanley Ramirez would cause Clint Hurdle to turn to shut down closer Jason Grilli, looking for his 24th save.

Grilli came in throwing high cheese, getting Puig and Cruz to strike out. A.J. Ellis would then single to load the bases with two outs. But Grilli would get Punto to ground out to Gaby Sanchez to end the game and extend the Pirates winning streak to eight games.

Player of the Game:

The Pirates and Dodgers square off in game two of the three game set tomorrow night, as James McDonald opposes Chad Billingsley. First pitch, 4:05PM.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Series Preview: Los Angeles Dodgers @ Pittsburgh Pirates

Posted on June 6, 2013 at 10:51 PM.

(0)

Series Preview | June 14-16, 2013

Los Angeles Dodgers
(37-28, 13-13 Away)

Pittsburgh Pirates
(40-27, 22-14 Home)

Team Comparison
.269	AVG	.282
.404	SLG	.476
.330	OBP	.292
3.11	ERA	3.09

Pitching Probables
Greinke (2-6, 3.88)	Game 1	Rodriguez (6-5, 2.92)
Billingsley (4-4, 3.95)	Game 2	McDonald (6-3, 1.54)
Beckett (6-2, 2.18)	Game 3	Cole (1-0, 0.00)

Game Notes
- Gerrit Cole will make his second start of the season on Sunday, opposing veteran Josh Beckett. - The Pirates are 8-2 in their last 10 games, sweeping the Cubs and Giants - The Dodgers are 7-3 in their last 10 games, taking 2 of 3 from the Braves and sweeping the NL West leading Diamondbacks

Regular Season Game #67: San Francisco Giants @ Pittsburgh Pirates

Posted on June 6, 2013 at 06:00 PM.

(0)

June 13, 2013
7:05PM

PNC Park - Pittsburgh, PA
Weather: 58�, Clear
Attendance: 27,593

Game #67: San Francisco Giants at Pittsburgh Pirates
Jun 13, 2013	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
San Francisco (30-35)	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	6	0
Pittsburgh (40-27)	0	1	0	0	1	1	0	0	X	3	7	0
W: A.J. Burnett (7-2) L: Barry Zito (3-7) S: Jason Grilli (24)

San Francisco Giants
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING RBI: A. Pagan (20) SAC: B. Zito GIDP: J. Arias
BASERUNNING SB: B. Belt (8), A. Pagan 2 (17)

San Francisco Giants
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
B. Zito (L, 3-7)	6.0	7	3	3	0	3	4.95
C. Gaudin	2.0	0	0	0	0	1	4.57

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
BATTING HR: P. Alvarez (21), R. Martin (11) RBI: P. Alvarez (52), R. Martin (29), A. Cabrera (23) SAC: A. Burnett
BASERUNNING SB: A. McCutchen 2 (15)

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
A. Burnett (W, 7-2)	8.0	6	1	1	2	7	3.99
J. Grilli (S, 24)	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	0.33

Pirates Sweep Defending World Champion Giants With 3-1 Win

PITTSBURGH - With a sweep of the Chicago Cubs in their rearview mirror, the Pirates came back to PNC Park to oppose the defending World Champion San Francisco Giants. But, after the first two games of the series, a non MLB fan would think it was the Pirates who were the defending champs as they have dominated the Giants. Looking to sweep their second series in a row, the Pirates send veteran A.J. Burnett to the mound to oppose veteran Barry Zito.

The top of the 1st saw minimal action, with Gregor Blanco hitting a bunt single with one out. Buster Posey and Hunter Pence would each fly out to end the inning. In the bottom of the 1st, Andrew McCutchen singled with two outs, stealing second and third with Pedro Alvarez at bat. But Alvarez would fly out to strand McCutchen at third.

In the top of the 2nd, Brandon Belt lined to center for a single, then stole second with Joaqin Arias batting. Burnett would get Crawford to strike out to end the inning. In the bottom of the 2nd, after Zito got Jones and Marte to pop out, Russell Martin bombed a 1-2 pitch to left for a sole home run, giving the Pirates a 1-0 lead.

In the top of the 3rd, Angel Pagan walked on five pitches, then advancing to third on a single by Gregor Blanco with one out. But Burnett would get Posey to pop out and Pence to ground out to end the top of the 3rd. A pitchers dual continued into the top of the 5th, when Burnett walked Crawford on four pitches to lead off the inning. Zito sacrificed Crawford who scored on an Angel Pagan single to tie the game at 1.

But the Pirates would rally in the bottom of the 5th, as Russell Martin led off with a single, followed by a single from Clint Barmes. Burnett sacrificed the runners, putting two on with one out. After Travis Snider struck out swinging, Asdrubal Cabrera singled to center, scoring Russell Martin to give the Pirates a 2-1 lead.

Andrew McCutchen popped out to end the inning. After a scoreless top of the 6th, Pedro Alvarez hit a solo shot in the bottom of the 6th to put the Pirates up 3-1. Pitching locked in for the 7th and 8th innings, leading up to another Jason Grilli save opportunity. Grilli came in throwing cheese, striking out Scutaro, geting Belt to ground out, and striking out Arias to end the game.

Player of the Game:

After sweeping the Giants, the Pirates welcome the Dodgers to PNC Park for a three game set. In game one, Wandy Rodriguez opposes Zach Greinke. First pitch, 7:05PM.