Loss hurts Bucs chance at NL Central title

September 28, 2014

CINCINNATI (AP) - After a sizzling surge toward the top, the Pirates lost one that they really needed for a shot at the title.The Pirates' NL Central chances were hurt when Todd Frazier had a tying two-run homer in the seventh inning and Ramon Santiago hit a grand slam in the 10th, powering the Cincinnati Reds to a 10-6 victory on Saturday.Pittsburgh started the day a game behind first-place St. Louis, which played at Arizona later. The Pirates have already clinched at least a wild card and would host that game on Wednesday."Wonderfully crazy, like the season," manager Clint Hurdle ...

Back again at PNC Park

September 29, 2014

CINCINNATI - After a day of too much Johnny Cueto, the Pittsburgh Pirates finally knew where they were going.Home. For the playoffs.Cueto singled in the go-ahead run and got his 20th victory on Sunday, a 4-1 win that gave the NL Central title to the St. Louis Cardinals and forced Pittsburgh to settle for a wild card for the second straight season.A bit sad, but not bad at all."It's disappointing," catcher Chris Stewart said. "At the same time, we can't really hang our heads. We faced a great pitcher. Yes, we would have liked to win the division, but we're still in the playoffs and still ...

Volquez looks to continue revival against Giants

October 1, 2014

PITTSBURGH (AP) - Edinson Volquez's renaissance began with a simple game of catch.During his brief session with Pittsburgh Pirates pitching coach Ray Searage on that January day at the team's training facility in Florida, the talented but erratic right-hander listened as Searage outlined a plan to help the 31-year-old regain the form that once made him an All-Star."He felt wanted," Searage said. "That builds trust."Ten months later, Volquez will try to repay that trust by sending the Pirates into the NL Division Series for the second straight year when he starts Wednesday night's ...

BUCTOVER

October 2, 2014

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Pirates believe they're building something special.The San Francisco Giants provided a reminder that much work remains to be done before a contender becomes a champion.Geared up for another run at "Buctober," Pittsburgh's postseason journey lasted all of 3 hours, 12 minutes, just long enough for Madison Bumgarner and the Giants to overpower the Pirates for an 8-0 victory in the NL wild-card game Wednesday night.Bumgarner tossed a four-hitter while striking out 10, and Brandon Crawford hit the first grand slam by a shortstop in postseason history as the Giants ...

Pittsburgh facing questions heading into offseason

October 3, 2014

PITTSBURGH - The chant started the second Russell Martin stepped into the batter's box in the top of the ninth on Wednesday night. The National League wild-card game all but officially lost to the San Francisco Giants, whatever remained of the record crowd at PNC Park remained offered the glue of the Pittsburgh Pirates' surprising run to a postseason berth a token of their appreciation while simultaneously pleading for a return engagement next spring.The catcher and impending free agent flied out to center. Martin jogged to the dugout and tipped his cap at the standing ovation as roars ...

Rangers hire Pirates’ Banister as manager

October 17, 2014

The Texas Rangers hired Pittsburgh Pirates bench coach Jeff Banister as their new manager.Banister got the nod over two other finalists, interim manager Tim Bogar and Cleveland Indians bullpen coach Kevin Cash.General manager Jon Daniels said Thursday night that Banister won over the Rangers during the interview process. Daniels described Banister as the best fit for a team that quickly wants to recreate a winning culture after its most losses since 1985."Jeff really impressed us across the board," Daniels said. "From people that he works with now with the Pirates, the people that used ...