Series Preview: Diamondbacks (58-51) at Pirates (55-53)

8-1-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X lll 8/2Pirates – Martín Pérez (L) 1-3, 57.1 IP, 4.71 ERA, 46 Ks/19 walks, 1.55 WHIPBraves – Charlie Morton (R) 4-4, 79.1 IP, 4.20 ERA, 80 Ks/35 walks, 1.30 WHIP 8/3Pirates – Paul Skenes (R) 4-0, 46.1 IP, 2.14 ERA, 61 Ks/8 walks, 0.99 WHIPBraves – Max FriedContinue reading “Series Preview: Diamondbacks (58-51) at Pirates (55-53)”

Tick Tock, Tellez

5-17-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X The clock is quickly running out for Rowdy Tellez, whose early season remarks endeared him to some fans while ruffling the feathers of others. Unfortunately for him, things have gone about as badly as they could since then. After posting a respectable .273/.385/.364 slash through the team’s firstContinue reading “Tick Tock, Tellez”

How Deep Is Our Infield

1-10-23 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X Last week, I looked at the outfield, breaking down the myriad of options and illustrating the options and difficulties at filling the three positions (four, counting bench player) on the grass. This week, we’re looking at the 5 guys around the diamond and how that expectsContinue reading “How Deep Is Our Infield”

Outfield Breakdown: 2024 Edition

1-1-24 – By Michael Castrignano –@412DoublePlay on X Last year, I wrote a piece dissecting the options in the outfield. This year, I’ve decided to dig even deeper into the current options for the 26-man, 40-man and depth beyond. There’s a congestion that has emerged among our outfield options with some internal options – asContinue reading “Outfield Breakdown: 2024 Edition”

Eighth Inning Rally Gives Pirates Victory in Final Game of 2023 (76-86)

10/1/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter Last game of the season and both teams were ready for the season to be over – though, arguably, for different reasons as the Bucs head into an October spent on the couch while the Marlins look forward to just the franchise’s fourth postseason appearance. Andre JacksonContinue reading “Eighth Inning Rally Gives Pirates Victory in Final Game of 2023 (76-86)”

Johan Walks 6, Walker Blasts One As Cardinals Salvage Final Game of the Series 6-4 (63-74)

9/3/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter Following an extra innings win and a 9th inning comeback victory against the Cardinals, Bucs were hoping for an easier match with the getaway day. Facing long-time rivals, they knew it would never be easy. After going down 1-2-3 in the top of the first, starter JohanContinue reading “Johan Walks 6, Walker Blasts One As Cardinals Salvage Final Game of the Series 6-4 (63-74)”

Bats Come Alive As Pirates Stomp Cardinals 11-1 (56-69)

8/21/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter Pirates bats came to life early and they didn’t let up, plating multiple runs in the 1st, 3rd, 4th and 8th innings en route to an 11-1 victory over the Cardinals. Bryan Reynolds doubled with 1 out in the bottom of the first inning, moved to thirdContinue reading “Bats Come Alive As Pirates Stomp Cardinals 11-1 (56-69)”

Big Seventh Inning Powers Pirates Win Over Mets, 7-4 (55-66)

8/15/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter Pirates bats struggled to get much going against the Mets bullpen in the first game of this series. In game 2, they made sure to capitalize. Mets got on the board first tonight after a Brandon Nimmo lead-off homer, his second long-ball in as many days, givingContinue reading “Big Seventh Inning Powers Pirates Win Over Mets, 7-4 (55-66)”

Mets Offense Explodes As Bucs Bats Snooze, Losing 7-2 (53-66)

8/14/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter Heading to Queens to face the Mets, pre-ordained World Series contenders in the spring with their bloated payroll and lofty contracts, looking at an identical 53-65 record as the Pirates prior to the game. While Pittsburgh’s season has been a bit of a let-down for fans followingContinue reading “Mets Offense Explodes As Bucs Bats Snooze, Losing 7-2 (53-66)”

Strider Struggles and Pirates Pounce (51-61)

8/7/23- By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on Twitter Coming home after a solid trip to Milwaukee to face the NL favorite Atlanta Braves is not ideal. Having to face the MLB leader in strikeouts – Spencer Strider – takes that to a whole other level but, somehow, in the face of adversity, this team risesContinue reading “Strider Struggles and Pirates Pounce (51-61)”