Michael

Starter Spotlight: Southpaw Showdown

7-24-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X After a heart-wrenching loss last night, the Pirates will look to win the rubber match today, sending veteran lefty, Martín Pérez, who will face off against fellow southpaw Matthew Liberatore in what will likely be a bullpen game for the visiting Red Birds. Liberatore has bounced between theContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Southpaw Showdown”

Starter Spotlight: These Bucs Don’t F-LYNN-ch

7-23-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Another day, another rematch from earlier this season in today’s game as the Pirates face veteran and long-time foe in Lance Lynn, who enters tonight’s game with some dismal numbers both on the season (4.39 ERA and -0.6 bWAR) and his in career against the Pirates (5.34 ERAContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: These Bucs Don’t F-LYNN-ch”

Starter Spotlight: My Rematch With Andre

7-22-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Last time Andre Pallante faced off against the Pirates, he came away with a no decision despite tossing 7 innings of 4-hit, 1-run ball in an eventual 3-2 win by the Cardinals. It was the best performance of the season for the Red Birds righty and one theContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: My Rematch With Andre”

Series Preview: Cardinals (52-47) at Pirates (50-49)

7-22-24 – By Michael Castrignano –@412DoublePlay on X The Pirates and Cardinals meet for a three game series, each fresh off taking 2 of 3 from an NL East playoff contender and with some high stakes at play. They’ve taken vastly different routes to get where they are – with the Pirates relying on a youthContinue reading “Series Preview: Cardinals (52-47) at Pirates (50-49)”

Starter Spotlight: Can They Get The Sweep?

7-21-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X A comeback win Friday. A dominant pitching performance on Saturday. What is in store for the final game of the series today? Pirates will face off against rookie Tyler Phillips with a potential sweep of the best team in baseball on the line. Phillips has posted a 4.50Continue reading “Starter Spotlight: Can They Get The Sweep?”

Starter Spotlight: Take A Chance On Sanchez

7-20-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X After a surprising comeback victory last night, the Pirates are on the fun side of .500 for the first time since April 24 and just 0.5 games back of the final wild card. But, the season doesn’t end today and still, we fight on, as the Pirates lookContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Take A Chance On Sanchez”

Starter Spotlight: No Love From Nola

7-19-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Heading home for Yinzerpalooza to host the Phillies after the break and, while we won’t have to face some of the big members of their rotation, we are leading off against their mainstay in stalwart Aaron Nola, who has built an impressive track record of success over hisContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: No Love From Nola”

The Long Road Ahead

7-18-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X I won’t lie, it’s been nice taking the past few days off from writing and (for the most part) baseball stuff. But, starting tomorrow, baseball is back in action and your Pittsburgh Pirates have a 48-48 record, sitting just 1.5 games back of the final wild card spot.Continue reading “The Long Road Ahead”

Starter Spotlight: Ready To Shuster The Door With A Kuhl Sweep

7-13-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X That title is a reach but here we go. The Pirates finally broke through with their first 3-game win streak in over 4 months but can they get their first series sweep since March? Starting in what is probably an opener role for the White Sox today isContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Ready To Shuster The Door With A Kuhl Sweep”

Starter Spotlight: Flexin On Flexen

7-13-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X With a series-opening victory last night, the Pirates will look to keep the momentum going this afternoon against Chris Flexen, who has struggled out of the White Sox rotation with a 4.95 ERA through 91 innings this season. A bit of a journeyman, Flexen, on his third teamContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Flexin On Flexen”