4-29-2025 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The Cubs may have a red hot offense which leads MLB in runs scored but they also have some stellar pitching led by today’s starter, Shota Imanaga. The sophomore southpaw Imanaga had a strong showing in 2024 after signing with the Cubs following six seasons in Japan’s NPBContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Sho-Time”
Tag Archives: Chicago
Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (17-12) at Pittsburgh Pirates (11-18)
04-29-25 – By Josh Poe – @DaRealHanYolo on X The Pirates are back home to welcome their division rival, the Chicago Cubs. This will be the first time these two rivals square off this year. The Cubs have been red hot, so the Pirates will have their work cut out for them. But, the PiratesContinue reading “Series Preview: Chicago Cubs (17-12) at Pittsburgh Pirates (11-18)”
2025 NL Central Futures, Predictions & Superlatives
3-25-25 – By Corey Shrader – @CoreyShrader on X; Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X As the season gets ready to ramp up, we peer once more into our crystal ball to make some predictions for the division. We had some hits and some misses when we tried this last year but we are 100% confident that we will DEFINITELY getContinue reading “2025 NL Central Futures, Predictions & Superlatives”
Starter Spotlight: Shutdown Shota
9-4-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X With a potential payback sweep on the line, the Pirates send out Domingo Germán to start off against rookie Japanese southpaw, Shota Imanaga. This is Imanaga’s second game against the Pirates this season after pitching 7 shutout frames on May 18th with 4 hits and 1 walk whileContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Shutdown Shota”
Starter Spotlight: Change Up Approach Against Hendricks
9-3-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X From Whiskey to Gin, the Pirates trade out facing Jameson Taillon yesterday for Kyle Hendricks today, whom they faced last week with an offensive outburst as they notched 6 runs off 8 hits over just 1.2 innings during that previous outing. If the Pirates want to repeat thatContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Change Up Approach Against Hendricks”
Starter Spotlight: Bottle of Jameson
9-2-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X As the calendar turns to September, the struggle continues for the Pirates – who have now dropped 21 of their last 29 games, battling to avoid a last place finish instead of contending for a playoff berth. They’ll have the wrong kind of Jameson tonight in a rematchContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Bottle of Jameson”
Deflating Sweep to Cubs Bookends Inconsistent Homestand
The Pirates struggled against the Cubs, highlighting pitching and managerial issues. The focus should be on developing young players, despite the team’s season outcome.
Starter Spotlight: Gin Up On Hendricks
8-28-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The Pirates will look to avoid being swept by the Cubs against the veteran, soft-tossing Kyle Hendricks, who is in the twilight of his career but still somehow can get the best of the Bucs. Jameson Taillon and Justin Steele both entered this series with poor career marksContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Gin Up On Hendricks”
Starter Spotlight: Real Steele
8-27-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X In last night’s game, steals were a HUGE part of the Cubs game plan. Tonight, a different kind of ‘Steele’ will be on display as Jared Jones makes his long-awaited return from the injured list to face 2023 Cy Young finalist and Chicago ace, Justin Steele. Steele isContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Real Steele”
Starter Spotlight: Tie One On Taillon
8-25-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X A rematch from earlier this season awaits the Pirates today with Mitch Keller facing off once more against former teammate, Jameson Taillon. In his second season in Chicago, Taillon has an even 8-8 record, 3.77 ERA and 101 strikeouts in 126.2 innings pitched. That said, his career lineContinue reading “Starter Spotlight: Tie One On Taillon”
Steel City Pirates 