Subscribe or log in to read the rest of this column and all that's offered on DK on Pittsburgh Sports. It's available for as little as $1.50/month.
On location in Atlanta: Pirates 3, Braves 2 237
DEJAN KOVACEVIC, DK ON PITTSBURGH SPORTS ATLANTA — Getting ready for the first pitch … Game: Pirates (85-71) vs. Atlanta Braves (76-80), 7:10 p.m., Turner Field Pitchers: RHP Gerrit Cole (10-5, 3.85) vs. LHP Alex Wood (11-10, 2.78) TV, radio: Root Sports, 93.7 The Fan Online: Live box score / Multimedia / Official media notes
September 23rd, a.k.a. Magic Number Zero Day. Two years in a row on the same date would be something.
I never, ever thought I’d be saying this in a good way: C..U…E…T…O! C…U…E…T…O! (He’s on the hill vs. the Brewers).
Looks like a BEEUUTIFUL day for a clincher!
DK, thanks for ‘being there’. That pic of Turner Field, which is only 17 years old, just re-confirms how special PNC is. I’ve been to a few games there and that park lacks any character whatsoever, hopefully their new stadium is better in that regard.
when the best our broadcast crew can come up with is “how great is that scoreboard” you know a park is lacking character!
Pirates Lineup: 1. Josh Harrison (R) 3B 2. Jordy Mercer (R) SS 3. Andrew McCutchen (R) CF 4. Russell Martin (R) C 5. Starling Marte (R) LF 6. Neil Walker (S) 2B 7. Gaby Sanchez (R) 1B 8. Travis Snider (L) RF 9. Gerrit Cole (R) P
Braves Lineup: 1. Emilio Bonifacio (S) CF 2. Phil Gosselin (R) 2B 3. Freddie Freeman (L) 1B 4. Justin Upton (R) LF 5. Jason Heyward (L) RF 6. Christian Bethancourt (R) C 7. Chris Johnson (R) 3B 8. Andrelton Simmons (R) SS 9. Alex Wood (L) P
Wood of course is a Lefty – pretty good one at that… Ranks 8th in xFIP for the Second Half – right after Frankie.
Wood has been terrific.
So has our own Frankie ;-) all of a sudden the FO has some tough decisions – negotiations to look forward to – I would bring both EV and FL back or one of them if the price were right…
The Braves need to hook up the Pirates Dream On video with the comparison Bream and Scheurholtz slides tonight. Maybe Bream can toss out the first pitch.
The thought being, bury the tomahawk once and for all. Celebrate in their Stadium. Watch them cry, etc.
That picture above is of last night’s game and crowd, right?
NEED to pick up at least ONE GAME on Cards while they play at Wrigley. . Come on, you cotton-pickin’ Baby Bruins!!!! . Remember the Maine, Gerrit Cole!!
Hoist the Colors!!!!
A.J. pitching tonight? Oops. Wrong season. Cole will do for a possible clincher. Even Roenicke said the Brewers pretty much have to win out. What’s the chances of that, as sorry as they’ve looked the last month or so?
Since 8/23/14 Brewers 7-17 Cardinals 17-9 Pirates 17-7
I love being in the National League Central . . . . . . . . . . because I hate the Brewers, I hate the Reds, and I really hate the Cardinals. And I like to travel to Wrigley to watch the Buccos.
my doofus reply is below, lol
And I have the feeling you’ll grow to hate the Cubs over the next few years as well.
Heaven or Hades depending on the season, Groat?
Untamed William brings the funny!
Cole is about 5 mph’s shy thus far. It’s early but …
This is concerning. 93-94. That’s great for some guys, but not him.
The only batter he got out that inning was on a bunt.
Cole looks a little shaky tonight but the Pirates need to score some runs when they have two on and only one out.
socialpolling_verb
8 batters, he’s gotten 1 of them out. And it was a bunt.
They are knocking cole around pretty good here what the crap?
RE-SIGN RUSSELL MARTIN !!!! . Now back to the game, and the 1,478 people there. . :D
The Braves had been shutout 5 times in 10 September home games.
2 innings 2 runs let’s go offense your pitcher is a bit off. He needs those bats to wake up some tonight and this inning would be nice.
Suppose this will be the inning we score in tonight?
Cole doesn’t have it tonight. Very troubling. Braves insist on not rolling over for us. Web gem by Simmons and cole has to go right back out after a quick 123 inning. Grrrrrrrrr.
Just relax boys…just relax and play your game…
1-21 for Walker ouch looked awful on that at bat need atleast 1 here.
Wouldn’t Walker just be better off batting leftie trying to get out of the slump?
no. the 1-21 has mostly been LEFT Handed vs. RHP. it’s a slump, it happens.
Does Walker need a couple of days off?
Wow lucky break
When is the last time Walker got a hit? Did the same thing last year when he tanked at playoff time.
Since hitting his 21st home run, he is 1 for 22. Ouch
Little league baserunning play WORKS, poor throw by the young catcher and slumping Bucs scratch out a run vs. Wood.
Well take those runs, Chris, anyway we can.
most definitely. was a good move, worth the try and it worked.
Wood definitely looks good… sort of a Jeff Locke with better stuff.
This first base platoon has been pure folly!!!!
Sometimes you take a run any way you can get it. It’s playoff time; all the pitchers are good, ours and theirs.
That’s more like it…
2 quick innings for Cole. Maybe starting to settle down. Just need the bats to wake up a bit and they should have this game.
The sheriff seems to have restored order.
Maybe Uncle Ray had chit chat with him between innings???
And Snider ties this game at 2 with a home run!
Lunch Box may be figuring it out. He’s hitting LHP at close to a .400 clip this yr. It would be nice to have one of these late bloomers put it all together before we get rid of him.
I saw the question today on the chat. There is NO QUESTION that RIGHT NOW, on THIS TEAM, Snider is the best option in RF. Polanco is the future but Snider is better right now and it’s very clear. Hitting and fielding. No big need to try Tabata at this point.
Do we vote Cueto a share if he shuts out Brewers?
No. If he wins tonight we’ll surely have to deal with him on Sunday. And he’ll be looking for #20.
I see we are getting good early help tonight from the Reds and Cubs. Come on dodgers, do your thing too.
As Greg Brown would say: Time for a Marte parte.
A couple of very well placed doubles this inning. I’ll take it.
ZOLTON!!!
Need to get Walker out of the lineup.
To teach him a lesson? ;-)
Would love to see an apology or two from all of those Marte haters who wanted to ship him to Indy in May – young guys take time to develop and learn. He is a great story and we need to let the same sort of path work it’s way out with Polanco, Baseball is a very hard game ;-)
Brewers narrow gap to Reds 2-1. Cubs still lead 2-0.
Nice to see Cole settle down under pressure. Hasn’t allowed a runner since 2nd.
14 straight set down by the sheriff.
Yep he seems locked in now!
14 in a row. Somebody’s dealing. Cole has not had many in-game stretches better than this. I never would have predicted this during the 2nd inning.
Brewers had 2 on none out in 7th and do not score. Still 2-1 Reds.
CUUUUEEETTTTO! And Lyin’ Ryan is the one that grounded into the rally killing DP.
Glad the Braves, a chief NL rival, are saddled by the UPTONS– “no talent” BJ and “no heart or hustle” Justin for a few years.
And Frank Wren has paid the price.
yes, but the point is John Hart, or if he is not the full time GM, the new hire, will be paying the price for a few years more. This will likely use up the tv dollars to get someone to bite on their contracts.
Let’s get another run or two this half inning and get a little pad for Cole and the bullpen
Probably no Melancon tonight.
So, who gets credit for the Marte extension? Seems like a pretty good deal for the Bucs right now. ;-)
His agents who did not strike a harder bargain, according to Scotty B and the Players Union.
Has the Cole curve ever been this sharp?
That is a nasty pitch he is using tonight. He just needed to get the cob webs out tonight with how dominate he has become since the 2nd inning.
96 on the gun and J-Up ‘he gone’. Cole channeling his inner Verlander in increasing velo late.
Did I see he hit 99 on the 109th pitch of the game for him?
Now that was quite a performance after a really rocky start. What great maturity.
WOW! If this was the playoffs, I’d send Cole back out there. But we need his right arm for , oh, say another month, so maybe it’s Lurch or Holdz-y in the 8th?
Just curious guys: trusting all goes well here and yes, I am looking ahead…but who starts the WC game? This has been an amazing turnaround. Gerrit or Frankie?
um, Wainright vs. Baumgarner? Bucs will be preparing for the Dodgers NLDS …. :)
Oh you go, Chris! Love the answer!
Waino might be needed on Sunday.
same with Baum-o.
I think a case could be made either way, Tom. I’ll trust the skipper & Coach Ray and hope they choose wisely.
Clint and Ray seem to be pushing the right buttons w/pitching right now. Good point, Jim.
I admit I like some SABR stuff. But, if Heyward’s .270 w 11 HR & 58 RBI makes him an MVP candidate because of his WAR, as some are suggesting, that stat has a LONG way to go. No RF is good enough defensively to add that much value.
if he even finishes in the top 8, someone has got some ‘splaining to do.
I’d say top 20, maybe.
WAR is the most worthless made-up stat ever. Used by people to be contrarian just for the sake of loving stats. . Other than that, it’s ok. . ;)
Does Cole become the Wild Card game starter…no, I mean, game 1 in the division series
Maybe Cole is turning into one of those guys that, if you don’t get to him early, you won’t get to him at all.
HAIL SZCZUR!!! Cubs up 3-0 now with the youngster’s HR.
Chapman will be coming on in the 9th to try to close out the Brewers. Red 2-1, batting bottom 8th. Top of the order will be due up, Gomez, Gennett and Lucroy.
You channeling your inner Greg Brown? He just said the same! Although, I nave never seen you and Greg in the same room.
I’m thinking Cutch is getting locked in again. I like his ABs since the bomb yesterday very much.
Agree…the MVP is taking matters into his hands to get the troops going
3-1 Reds going to the top of the 9th! Bucs winning 3-2 in the top of the 8th. And Cubs are beating the Cards. The division is still within our grasp.
As to the WC starter, one factor is whether Saturday and Sunday games matter. Remember Liriano goes Sat. and Cole Sunday. That would mean WC game would have to either be Liriano on 3days rest or Volquez. This is what Clint means when he says ‘it isn’t time yet’.
Chapman hits Gomez to lead off the 9th.
but Ks Weeks. 1 out.
Weeks strikes out. 1 down.
Jordy Mercer just made a Jack Wilson play. He’s come a long way.
He really has AW. I think we have a SS for a few years…
Wouldn’t we have one no matter who plays? ;) . Unless another goofy shift is used. . Go Canes!
Unsung all year, especially on D. Our SS hole has been filled, thank you. Really, sneaking a peak to offseason, not a ton to do for NH other than, oh, sign a certain catcher, and decide what to do with 1b. QO to Frankie, some sort of decent offer to Volq-y, and thats it.
Hate to be a contrarian-but the FO has a lot of work to do. -Mercer is OK SS but he is not top 3-5. If u pitch to contact can u upgrade SS-is Mercer a top 5 2nd baseman? – what do you do with Walker – he is a corner guy playing 2nd. -1st Base -Liriano? Volquez? -bullpen
All valid points LL, but relax and enjoy this.
Hoover time!
hello Hoover!
3 pitches, 3 outs by Hughes.
Chapman having a rough inning. Two on one out for Brewers.
Lucroy walks. Tying runs aboard. Chapman’s all over the place.
We need an Arama Lama double play.
Struck him out. 2 down.
ARam Ks; BRAUN IS UP>
Braun Ks. — BREWERS LOSE. BREWERS LOSE
Ramirez strikes out for 2nd out. Gomez steals third. First third two out Braun up.
Ro-ro. Matt Holliday 2run HR in the 6th, Cards tie the Cubs.
All up to the Roberto … ahem … Clemente Award candidate of the Brewers. And, he fails again.
Braun strikes out.
how sweeeeeeet it is. Lyin’ Ryan now cryin’.
Game over. the liar strikes out. goodbye crew.
Braun strikes out to make the magic number 1
Cubs. Ugh!
Angel Pagan needs back surgery. He’s through for the season.
big loss for the Giants. don’t follow them closely but their TV crew says he is a key cog on that team. When I was in SF, and Pagan was out, the fans all told me this is a ‘different team’ with him in the lineup.
Anyone nervous?
i’m oddly not.
tho i will not be cleaning the gutters.
Lol
I know! How weird is that? Last year I nearly bit my lips off…this year has been sooo different! But here we are again!
1 out. remember when bonifacio hit .900 against us? me neither.
2 outs away. And, back in April, Bonofaccio hit like .700 against us in the opening series. Tonight, he goes down with 3 strike outs.
I’m having flashbacks.
You and me both!
BUCTOBER!!!!!
RAISE THAT PLAYOFF FLAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RAISE IT HIGH. WE”RE PROUD OF OUR PIRATES. RESILIENT DOESN”T HAVE ENOUGH SYLLABLES TO DESCRIBE THIS 2014 TEAM!
Congratulations!
Your playoff clinching Pittsburgh Pirates ladies and gentlemen!! Woo hoo!
Raise it and wave it proudly.
Well, it’s a little late, but this calls for a beverage!
LOVE the relatively low-key on field display just now. Also love that I clearly oveheard Cutch and other Bucs saying “WE’RE NOT DONE, WE’RE NOT DONE” as they clapped high fives.
Way to go Bucos congrats on the playoffs! No go and do something crazy and win a series or two.
For the second straight year, the Bucs clinch a playoff berth, on the road, on September 23rd. . After going thru 20 losing seasons, this is especially nice to see! . Since that dreadful Cardinal series, the Pirates have won at an amazing pace! . Now, for the division !
Oh this is so much fun. Love it, love it, LOVE IT. Raise it!
The curse of Atlanta is finally over!
I guess I have to get a new hat. Good thing I like hats.
It’s nice to be able to act like you’ve been there. Way to go guys.
Wins are starting to feel routine. Bullpen is sharp, just enough runs, outstanding starting pitching. Playoff baseball at its best.
How about we all make a date. Same day next year ! ;)
I’ll drink to that!
YEAH!! Sept. 23rd sounds like corks popping!
Milo, I am already spoken for, and I don’t think I am your type. . But if I am available next year ………… . :D
Two straight years of playoff baseball in the Burgh!
Congrats Buccos. stayed the course and back to back playoffs.
….fear the Bones….
Two years in a row – telling my 16 yr old to savor this moment…we all know they come and go too fast…BUCN
Back to Back Playoffs: 70-71, 71-72, 74-75, 90-91, 91-92, 13-14.
This is a fun celebration to watch, and nothing like seeing Braun make the final out to seal the Brewers’ fate!
Got that right! And nothing like celebrating in ATLANTA!! WHOOP!
Ahhhhh, I’m lovin’ this!!
haha, they got InkMckoski good!
Hey, there’s 24/7. I’ve got some bad news. He’s going to have to stay late.
There’s DK. He looks too dry to me. ;)
Our host just made it onscreen. And yes, he was smiling. :)
Did he have a shirt untucked under a sportcoat? ;)
Maybe next yea, we can make the playoffs at home? Yes? :)
Freaking BUCTOBER! YES!!!!!
Anybody see Dejan in that scene?
Sorry, Milo, you did. I missed him.
Just saw him, and yes he’s much too dry. lol
Yup…see above…
Just saw him.
I can’t think of a more sincere coach or manager that I have ever seen in pro sports in my lifetime than Clint Hurdle. He’s a good man.
+++
no doubt about it.
Can’t add more to that Jim
Yes, he is!
Yeah, sure…but what about that time he [absurd reference to some game two years ago when he brought in so-and-so and gave up 24 runs or something]! Sorry, just had to represent that small percentage of fans who can’t give him credit. LOVE THE GUY!
And what, you’ve never met Lane Kiflin? Geez.
Who would have thought this in April? Who would have thought this after the sweep in St Louis? I have tears in my eyes. 40 plus years and I honestly was not sure we’d see this again. By the Grace of God…we are blessed to be Pirate fans!
Honestly, NO ONE! I’m all verklempt!! This is just amazing!
I admit to being a beer snob, but Bud Light in a can ?
Bud Light…ewwwwww
Like they couldn’t afford a good ipa?
should be miller lite, that’s the sponsor right?
Beautiful, Milo
All together now …. “Nutting’s fault.”
Why waste a good beer. Most of it went into the floor drains, which is where it belongs. :)
When you’re right, you’re right, Laddie.
I never take issue with Milo’s wisdom and wit, but uh…in this situation, Bud Light is perfect. They can drink the good stuff all winter as they reminisce about those 12 post-season wins.
Only the start Lets go Bucs I’m glad they are not celebrating that much
This team started 10-18, and we all said on the old Trib blog that it would take a long time to right the ship. 76-53 since then is a pretty strong statement. This is a really good team .
Love hearing these guys talk about the work left to be done. Not finished yet…
Cubs- Cards still 3-3 middle 8th.
Dodgers quickly go up 3-0!!!
The great Mad Bum is at 31 pitches and not out of the 1st yet.
3-0 Dodgers after benches cleared in bottom of the 1st. MadBum hit Puig & all hell broke loose. Kemp homered right after.
Tnx milo
My cousins in LA are reporting to me that in the 1st inning of the Dodgers /Giants game that the benches cleared. Don’t know anything else
Anyone notice the Dodgers have put up a 3 spot in the first inning on the Giants…and the benches have cleared after Bumgarder hit Puig in the foot? Could be one up for the wild card game at PNC Park if we don’t catch the Cards.
REMEMBER, Bucs own the tiebreaker with the Giants, so a 1-game lead is really TWO GAMES.
Cubs have a little something going on in 8th. 2 on, 1 out.
And, then they remembered they’re the Cubs. We go to the 9th @ 3-3.
:D
Night all. Have fun!
Wow, Tony Sanchez knows how to have a good time!!! LMAO http://instagram.com/p/tT7hZ0gUm0/
That was classic!
You know, a guy could get used to this Buctober thing.
Abso-BucN-lutely!
Baumgartner takes matters into his win hands and rips a 2 run HR to make it 3-2. :-(
*own hands
Two run homer for the aforementioned MadBum after he fails to get a bunt down.
#4 on the year. Wow!
CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN! Castillo 2-out single in the 10th plates Rizzo.
:)
Woohoo!
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!! Now, go Dodgers!!!
Things are falling into place, cmat.
the only thing that will make me root for the Dbags, Kirk “zombie” Gibson and Tony “snake in the grass” LaRussa is smug Matheny and the Cards coming to town….
These guys have made a believer outta me. I had them at 82 wins before the season and thought they were finished after the 7 game skid. I often hear people say that chemistry isn’t a tangible factor in baseball. I say hogwash. Kudos to Hurdle and company. I believe.
Division title no out of reach…Cubs win 4-3 in 10th
Cubs win!!
We’ve picked up 2 games on the Cards in the last 3 days. Bucs have won the last 3 games by run each. Cards could be hearing footsteps.
Channeling Harry Caray “Cubs Win! Cubs Win”
Cubs win! Cubs win! Hey, hey! Steve, how bout that Budweiser!!
Sorry for the weak Harry impression.
Sounded exactly how I remember Harry, Reading.
Just 1 game back in the loss column now. I had doubts that the bucs could still win the division but right now anything seems posdible!
We may not actually catch the Cards. Then again, we might. But, right now, we ‘re better than they are.
G. Cole: “This establishes our presence in the league. And we’re not gonna go away.” Per Rob B.