Im sorry man. Im not sure, id suggest calling or contacting the pirates customer service.
http://mlb.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/information/index.jsp
Im sorry man. Im not sure, id suggest calling or contacting the pirates customer service.
http://mlb.mlb.com/pit/ballpark/information/index.jsp
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</figcaption></figure><section class="content cf article-bottom" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Adam Berry and George Von Benko / MLB.com | <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
33 COMMENTS</button>
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PITTSBURGH -- Backed by home runs from Josh Harrison and Matt Joyce, right-handerJuan Nicasio delivered the Pirates' finest start of the season in a 4-1 win over the Reds on Friday night at PNC Park.
Nicasio fired seven scoreless innings, holding Cincinnati to three hits and a walk while striking out eight batters. Challenged earlier this month to work quickly and be more efficient, Nicasio did both in his fifth start of the season. He retired the final nine Reds he faced and needed only 97 pitches to deliver Pittsburgh's second seven-inning start of the year.
"He was in complete command from the first pitch until he walked off the mound," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said.
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</figcaption></figure>Harrison homered off Reds right-hander Dan Straily in the fourth inning, and Joyce bounced a pinch-hit homer off the top of the left-field wall in the seventh against reliever J.J. Hoover. Straily pitched well, holding the Pirates to two runs on five hits over six innings.
"I feel good," Straily said. "I'm a little frustrated with tonight because some days you got to go out there and you just have to win the ballgame, 1-0. So from that standpoint, I'm frustrated with myself for giving up those two runs because it turned out to be that was the best chance we had to win, is throwing a shutout."
The Pirates have won five straight games and seven of their past eight. The Reds have lost five in a row and seven of their past eight.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Streak snapped: Harrison knocked a 3-1 fastball from Straily over the Clemente Wall and into the right-field seats in the fourth inning. Harrison's solo shot was his first home run of the season. In fact, it was his first since May 15, ending a 379-at-bat streak without a homer that had ranked as the fourth-longest in the Majors.
"I knew it had been a while," Harrison said. "But it wasn't anything like, 'I've got to hit a home run.' They'll come when they come."
Chance to win: Straily gave the Reds a quality start, pitching six innings and giving up two runs. He tossed 91 pitches and threw 56 strikes.
It still counts: Pinch-hitting for Nicasio in the seventh inning, Joyce lifted a 3-1 pitch from Hoover toward the left-field foul pole. The ball bounced off the outfield wall and into the stands, giving Joyce his second pinch-hit home run of the season and the third of his career. Joyce thought the ball might have veered foul, then he figured the left fielder would catch it. He didn't realize he'd hit a homer until third-base umpire Ted Barrett signaled it was gone.
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</figcaption></figure>"[Third-base coach Rick] Sofield said that's just good, clean living," Joyce said. "I really didn't know what was going to happen."
Save situation: Tucker Barnhart doubled in the Reds' lone run in the ninth off Arquimedes Caminero, forcing the Pirates to call on closer Mark Melancon to finish the game. Melancon was up to the task, throwing two pitches and getting Scott Schebler to fly out to right field for the final out.
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</figcaption></figure>• Reds glad to have Bruce, Phillips back in lineup
QUOTABLE
"He's a strong man. He's built for endurance." -- Hurdle, on Nicasio's seven-inning start
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
The Pirates have hit at least one double in each of their first 23 games, surpassing the 1979 club for the second-longest streak to start a season since 1900. The 2008 Bucs doubled in each of their first 27 games. Pittsburgh leads the National League with 56 doubles.
WHAT'S NEXT
Reds: Right-hander Alfredo Simon will make his fifth appearance -- and fourth start -- of the season for Cincinnati on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. ET. Simon is 4-5 with a 3.46 ERA against the Pirates. He surrendered eight runs, including two home runs, in only 2 2/3 innings in his last outing.
Pirates: Left-hander Francisco Liriano will start against the Reds on Saturday night at PNC Park. Liriano, 1-5 with a 3.96 ERA in 13 career starts against the Reds, appeared to find something in the final three innings of his most recent start Sunday against the D-backs, retiring nine of the last 10 batters he faced.
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33 COMMENTS</button>
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PITTSBURGH -- Backed by home runs from Josh Harrison and Matt Joyce, right-handerJuan Nicasio delivered the Pirates' finest start of the season in a 4-1 win over the Reds on Friday night at PNC Park.
Nicasio fired seven scoreless innings, holding Cincinnati to three hits and a walk while striking out eight batters. Challenged earlier this month to work quickly and be more efficient, Nicasio did both in his fifth start of the season. He retired the final nine Reds he faced and needed only 97 pitches to deliver Pittsburgh's second seven-inning start of the year.
"He was in complete command from the first pitch until he walked off the mound," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Harrison homered off Reds right-hander Dan Straily in the fourth inning, and Joyce bounced a pinch-hit homer off the top of the left-field wall in the seventh against reliever J.J. Hoover. Straily pitched well, holding the Pirates to two runs on five hits over six innings.
"I feel good," Straily said. "I'm a little frustrated with tonight because some days you got to go out there and you just have to win the ballgame, 1-0. So from that standpoint, I'm frustrated with myself for giving up those two runs because it turned out to be that was the best chance we had to win, is throwing a shutout."
The Pirates have won five straight games and seven of their past eight. The Reds have lost five in a row and seven of their past eight.
MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
Streak snapped: Harrison knocked a 3-1 fastball from Straily over the Clemente Wall and into the right-field seats in the fourth inning. Harrison's solo shot was his first home run of the season. In fact, it was his first since May 15, ending a 379-at-bat streak without a homer that had ranked as the fourth-longest in the Majors.
"I knew it had been a while," Harrison said. "But it wasn't anything like, 'I've got to hit a home run.' They'll come when they come."
Chance to win: Straily gave the Reds a quality start, pitching six innings and giving up two runs. He tossed 91 pitches and threw 56 strikes.
It still counts: Pinch-hitting for Nicasio in the seventh inning, Joyce lifted a 3-1 pitch from Hoover toward the left-field foul pole. The ball bounced off the outfield wall and into the stands, giving Joyce his second pinch-hit home run of the season and the third of his career. Joyce thought the ball might have veered foul, then he figured the left fielder would catch it. He didn't realize he'd hit a homer until third-base umpire Ted Barrett signaled it was gone.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>"[Third-base coach Rick] Sofield said that's just good, clean living," Joyce said. "I really didn't know what was going to happen."
Save situation: Tucker Barnhart doubled in the Reds' lone run in the ninth off Arquimedes Caminero, forcing the Pirates to call on closer Mark Melancon to finish the game. Melancon was up to the task, throwing two pitches and getting Scott Schebler to fly out to right field for the final out.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>• Reds glad to have Bruce, Phillips back in lineup
QUOTABLE
"He's a strong man. He's built for endurance." -- Hurdle, on Nicasio's seven-inning start
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
The Pirates have hit at least one double in each of their first 23 games, surpassing the 1979 club for the second-longest streak to start a season since 1900. The 2008 Bucs doubled in each of their first 27 games. Pittsburgh leads the National League with 56 doubles.
WHAT'S NEXT
Reds: Right-hander Alfredo Simon will make his fifth appearance -- and fourth start -- of the season for Cincinnati on Saturday at 7:05 p.m. ET. Simon is 4-5 with a 3.46 ERA against the Pirates. He surrendered eight runs, including two home runs, in only 2 2/3 innings in his last outing.
Pirates: Left-hander Francisco Liriano will start against the Reds on Saturday night at PNC Park. Liriano, 1-5 with a 3.96 ERA in 13 career starts against the Reds, appeared to find something in the final three innings of his most recent start Sunday against the D-backs, retiring nine of the last 10 batters he faced.
</section>
| CENTRAL | W | L | PCT | GB | HOME | ROAD | RS | RA | DIFF | STRK | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 17 | 5 | .773 | - | 7-2 | 10-3 | 136 | 57 | +79 | W4 | 8-2 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 14 | 9 | .609 | 3.5 | 6-3 | 8-6 | 123 | 108 | +15 | W5 | 7-3 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 12 | 11 | .522 | 5.5 | 5-5 | 7-6 | 141 | 97 | +44 | L2 | 5-5 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 9 | 14 | .391 | 8.5 | 8-5 | 1-9 | 86 | 135 | -49 | L5 | 3-7 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 8 | 14 | .364 | 9 | 5-7 | 3-7 | 84 | 130 | -46 | L3 | 3-7 |
<thead class="standings-categories" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</thead><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</tbody>
Well the cubs beat us up....seems like they do that to everyone though.
Current Standing:
<thead class="standings-categories" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</thead><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</tbody>
Current Standing:
| CENTRAL | W | L | PCT | GB | HOME | ROAD | RS | RA | DIFF | STRK | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 21 | 6 | .778 | - | 8-3 | 13-3 | 164 | 68 | +96 | W4 | 8-2 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 15 | 13 | .536 | 6.5 | 7-7 | 8-6 | 138 | 135 | +3 | L4 | 6-4 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 15 | 14 | .517 | 7 | 8-8 | 7-6 | 162 | 117 | +45 | W2 | 5-5 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 12 | 17 | .414 | 10 | 10-7 | 2-10 | 116 | 166 | -50 | W2 | 3-7 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 11 | 17 | .393 | 10.5 | 8-9 | 3-8 | 124 | 167 | -43 | L2 | 4-6 |
<thead class="standings-categories" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</thead><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</tbody>
[FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Kang rejoins Bucs for series in St. Louis
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</figcaption></figure><section class="content cf article-bottom" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Adam Berry / MLB.com | @adamdberry | May 5th, 2016 <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
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PITTSBURGH -- Jung Ho Kang is back with the Pirates.
After spending the last 7 1/2 months recovering from traumatic left knee injuries, Kang rejoined the Bucs in St. Louis on Thursday before their three-game weekend series against the Cardinals, which begins Friday night at Busch Stadium.
The Pirates have not confirmed any roster moves, but it appears corner infielder Jason Rogers has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis to make room for Kang, the second-year South Korean third baseman who burst onto the scene as a rookie last season.
Catcher Francisco Cervelli posted a picture on his Instagram account of himself and Kang with a caption that begins, "My brother is back." Kang was with the club when its bus arrived at the team hotel, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported from St. Louis.
<iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFCwciRuoyl/embed/captioned/?v=6" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="763" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="margin: 1px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 658px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 4px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.14902) 0px 1px 10px 0px; display: block; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"></iframe>
Kang instantly became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh last year, batting .287/.355/.461 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs and endearing himself to his coaches and teammates. Kang was the first position player to jump straight from the Korean Baseball Organization into the Major Leagues, paving the way for players like the Twins' Byung Ho Park.
His sensational rookie year ended prematurely on Sept. 17. That night, he underwent surgery to repair a tibial plateau fracture with a lateral meniscal repair, sustained when he was upended at second base by Chris Coghlan while turning a double play.
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<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>The Pirates have compared Kang's injury to those sustained in a serious car accident, a claim validated by the fact that a trauma surgeon performed the operation.
"He has done an unbelievable job. He really has," head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday. "To overcome what he has experienced and went through with the surgery and the rehab, he's done a phenomenal job without too many hiccups."
After spending the entire offseason and spring recovering, Kang began a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on April 18. In 13 games, he hit .150 with a .442 OPS.
Kang will be the Pirates' more-regular third baseman upon his return, likely playing two of every three days until he proves ready to play on a more consistent basis. David Freese, the regular third baseman to this point of the year, is expected to spell Kang at third and play some on the right side of the infield.
Rogers went 1-for-13 with a triple and four walks in nine games. He could return to the Majors whenever the Pirates balance out their roster, which currently includes eight relievers and four backup position players.
Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
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</figcaption></figure><section class="content cf article-bottom" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Adam Berry / MLB.com | @adamdberry | May 5th, 2016 <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
5 COMMENTS</button>
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PITTSBURGH -- Jung Ho Kang is back with the Pirates.
After spending the last 7 1/2 months recovering from traumatic left knee injuries, Kang rejoined the Bucs in St. Louis on Thursday before their three-game weekend series against the Cardinals, which begins Friday night at Busch Stadium.
The Pirates have not confirmed any roster moves, but it appears corner infielder Jason Rogers has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis to make room for Kang, the second-year South Korean third baseman who burst onto the scene as a rookie last season.
Catcher Francisco Cervelli posted a picture on his Instagram account of himself and Kang with a caption that begins, "My brother is back." Kang was with the club when its bus arrived at the team hotel, the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported from St. Louis.
<iframe class="instagram-media instagram-media-rendered" id="instagram-embed-0" src="https://www.instagram.com/p/BFCwciRuoyl/embed/captioned/?v=6" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="763" data-instgrm-payload-id="instagram-media-payload-0" scrolling="no" style="margin: 1px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; border-style: initial; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 658px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border-radius: 4px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.498039) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.14902) 0px 1px 10px 0px; display: block; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-size: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial;"></iframe>
Kang instantly became a fan favorite in Pittsburgh last year, batting .287/.355/.461 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs and endearing himself to his coaches and teammates. Kang was the first position player to jump straight from the Korean Baseball Organization into the Major Leagues, paving the way for players like the Twins' Byung Ho Park.
His sensational rookie year ended prematurely on Sept. 17. That night, he underwent surgery to repair a tibial plateau fracture with a lateral meniscal repair, sustained when he was upended at second base by Chris Coghlan while turning a double play.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>The Pirates have compared Kang's injury to those sustained in a serious car accident, a claim validated by the fact that a trauma surgeon performed the operation.
"He has done an unbelievable job. He really has," head athletic trainer Todd Tomczyk said Wednesday. "To overcome what he has experienced and went through with the surgery and the rehab, he's done a phenomenal job without too many hiccups."
After spending the entire offseason and spring recovering, Kang began a Minor League rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis on April 18. In 13 games, he hit .150 with a .442 OPS.
Kang will be the Pirates' more-regular third baseman upon his return, likely playing two of every three days until he proves ready to play on a more consistent basis. David Freese, the regular third baseman to this point of the year, is expected to spell Kang at third and play some on the right side of the infield.
Rogers went 1-for-13 with a triple and four walks in nine games. He could return to the Majors whenever the Pirates balance out their roster, which currently includes eight relievers and four backup position players.
Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
</section>
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</figcaption></figure><section class="content cf article-bottom" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Adam Berry / MLB.com | @adamdberry | May 6th, 2016 <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
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ST. LOUIS -- After spending the last 7 1/2 months recovering from devastating left knee injuries, Jung Ho Kang is back with the Pirates, and he wasted no time making his presence felt.
Batting sixth and starting at third base in Friday night's 4-2 win against the Cardinals, Kang hit into a double play in his first at-bat, then popped out in the infield with the bases loaded in his second, but he followed that up with a two-run homer in the sixth and a solo homer in the eighth.
"I'm really glad to be back here again with my teammates," Kang said pregame through interpreter H.K. Kim, who rejoined the team alongside Kang. "I'm ready to roll and work hard. ... It's going to be fun, for sure. I'm a little bit anxious, a little bit excited."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
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</figcaption></figure>
Kang rejoined the team in St. Louis on Thursday before this weekend series at Busch Stadium. During batting practice on Friday afternoon, the sight of Kang fielding grounders at third -- and Kim receiving throws by the batting cage -- was a welcome relief for the Bucs.
"I think everybody in the organization that's been a part of this or watched this whole process take place is blown away by this man's courage, determination, resiliency, perseverance. It's been crazy good," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He's a class act. He's a pro."
To make room for Kang, the South Korean third baseman who burst onto the scene as a rookie last season, the Pirates optioned corner infielder Jason Rogers to Triple-A Indianapolis. Rogers could return after the Pirates re-balance their bench and bullpen.
Kang will be play two of every three days until he proves he's ready to play on a more consistent basis, Hurdle said, though he will be available to pinch-hit on those "off" days. He will only play third base.
David Freese, who has been the everyday third baseman, will spell Kang at third and should play at first base against left-handed starters.
"With Kang on the roster, this team's better," Freese said. "I'm happy to stick around and help out."
Kang hit .287/.355/.461 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs last season, endearing himself to his coaches and teammates and instantly becoming a fan favorite.
"I want to be back in Pittsburgh as soon as possible," he said. "I'm really looking forward to that."
His sensational rookie year ended prematurely on Sept. 17. That night, he underwent surgery to repair a tibial plateau fracture with a lateral meniscal repair, sustained when he was upended at second base by former Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan while turning a double play.
"I know it's not the same, but I don't see it as a problem," Kang said of his surgically repaired knee. "I'm back at full health right now, so I feel good about it."
After spending the entire offseason and spring recovering, Kang began a Minor League rehab assignment with Indianapolis on April 18. In 13 games, he hit .150 with a .442 OPS.
Kang likely will bat third, behind Andrew McCutchen, when he gets up to speed after going so long without facing Major League pitching.
"I wanted to make the transition somewhat simplistic for him," Hurdle said. "I think there's enough on his table right now coming back."
Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
</section>
</figcaption></figure><section class="content cf article-bottom" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Adam Berry / MLB.com | @adamdberry | May 6th, 2016 <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
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ST. LOUIS -- After spending the last 7 1/2 months recovering from devastating left knee injuries, Jung Ho Kang is back with the Pirates, and he wasted no time making his presence felt.
Batting sixth and starting at third base in Friday night's 4-2 win against the Cardinals, Kang hit into a double play in his first at-bat, then popped out in the infield with the bases loaded in his second, but he followed that up with a two-run homer in the sixth and a solo homer in the eighth.
"I'm really glad to be back here again with my teammates," Kang said pregame through interpreter H.K. Kim, who rejoined the team alongside Kang. "I'm ready to roll and work hard. ... It's going to be fun, for sure. I'm a little bit anxious, a little bit excited."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
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</figcaption></figure>
Kang rejoined the team in St. Louis on Thursday before this weekend series at Busch Stadium. During batting practice on Friday afternoon, the sight of Kang fielding grounders at third -- and Kim receiving throws by the batting cage -- was a welcome relief for the Bucs.
"I think everybody in the organization that's been a part of this or watched this whole process take place is blown away by this man's courage, determination, resiliency, perseverance. It's been crazy good," manager Clint Hurdle said. "He's a class act. He's a pro."
To make room for Kang, the South Korean third baseman who burst onto the scene as a rookie last season, the Pirates optioned corner infielder Jason Rogers to Triple-A Indianapolis. Rogers could return after the Pirates re-balance their bench and bullpen.
Kang will be play two of every three days until he proves he's ready to play on a more consistent basis, Hurdle said, though he will be available to pinch-hit on those "off" days. He will only play third base.
David Freese, who has been the everyday third baseman, will spell Kang at third and should play at first base against left-handed starters.
"With Kang on the roster, this team's better," Freese said. "I'm happy to stick around and help out."
Kang hit .287/.355/.461 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs last season, endearing himself to his coaches and teammates and instantly becoming a fan favorite.
"I want to be back in Pittsburgh as soon as possible," he said. "I'm really looking forward to that."
His sensational rookie year ended prematurely on Sept. 17. That night, he underwent surgery to repair a tibial plateau fracture with a lateral meniscal repair, sustained when he was upended at second base by former Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan while turning a double play.
"I know it's not the same, but I don't see it as a problem," Kang said of his surgically repaired knee. "I'm back at full health right now, so I feel good about it."
After spending the entire offseason and spring recovering, Kang began a Minor League rehab assignment with Indianapolis on April 18. In 13 games, he hit .150 with a .442 OPS.
Kang likely will bat third, behind Andrew McCutchen, when he gets up to speed after going so long without facing Major League pitching.
"I wanted to make the transition somewhat simplistic for him," Hurdle said. "I think there's enough on his table right now coming back."
Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
</section>
[FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Kang Show: Jung Ho hits 2 HRs in '16 debut
</header>[/FONT]<figure class="poster first-image" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: mlb_primary; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
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</figcaption></figure><section class="content cf article-bottom" style="margin: 22px auto 0px; padding: 0px 25px 33px; border: 0px; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: 16px; line-height: 22.4px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; vertical-align: baseline; max-width: 660px; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">[FONT=mlb_primary !important]By Adam Berry / MLB.com | @adamdberry | 9 minutes ago <button class="comment-button" style="margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; border: none; vertical-align: bottom; font-family: mlb_primary; font-weight: bold; cursor: pointer; border-radius: 5px; color: rgb(68, 68, 68); background: rgb(255, 255, 255);">+
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ST. LOUIS -- Jung Ho Kang wasn't nervous. That's not the right word. It had been 232 days since devastating left knee injuries brought his outstanding rookie season to a premature end. But here he was, healthy, back in the big leagues. He was anxious, he said. Excited, too. And it showed.
Kang returned to the Pirates' lineup on Friday night at Busch Stadium. He swung at the first three pitches he saw, hitting into three outs in his first two at-bats. Then Kang found his timing and power, barreling two home runs in a 4-2 win against the Cardinals.
"It's a relief for me," Kang said through interpreter H.K. Kim.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>Kang's anxiety crept into his approach in his first two at-bats. In the second inning, Kang hit into a double play on the first pitch. With the bases loaded and no outs in the fourth -- after the previous batter was walked on four pitches by Cards righty Carlos Martinez -- Kang once again swung at the first pitch and popped out to second base.
Kang remained aggressive in his third at-bat -- on "fast-forward," manager Clint Hurdle said -- but this time, it worked. Kang lashed at a 90-mph fastball fastball from lefty reliever Tyler Lyons, high and away, and launched it over the right-field wall to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead.
Two innings later, he unloaded on a full-count fastball from Kevin Siegrist, pulling it 427 feet into the left-field stands.
"A very gifted player was able to have a very special night," Hurdle said.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>Added Cardinals manager Mike Matheny: "We watched Kang last year, too, and he caused damage. Didn't know what kind of roll he was on. Apparently, he likes hitting here."
Pirates lefty Francisco Liriano, who picked up the win with 10 K's in seven innings, agreed: "To see him do that today is amazing."
How did he do it?
On Sept. 17, Kang had surgery to repair a fractured tibial plateau and a torn meniscus, the result of former Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan's takeout slide at second base. The Pirates compared his injuries to something sustained in a serious motor-vehicle accident.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>"Everybody in the organization that's been a part of this or watched this whole process take place is blown away by this man's courage, determination, resiliency, perseverance," Hurdle said. "It's been crazy good."
After spending part of the winter recovering in Pittsburgh, Kang moved his rehabilitation to Florida in December. He remained there until starting a Triple-A rehab assignment last month. In 13 games, he hit .150 with a .442 OPS. Was he really ready to come back?
On Friday afternoon, shortly after he had been officially activated, Kang admitted he'd have to wait and see how long it took to get his timing back.
As it turned out, the South Korean slugger needed all of three pitches.
"That's a bat we missed," second baseman Josh Harrison said. "He was very important for our lineup last year, and it's good to have him back."
The first position player to jump straight from the Korean Baseball Organization to the Majors, Kang hit .287/.355/.461 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs last season. With an understated work ethic and sense of humor, he instantly became a fan favorite and endeared himself to his coaches and teammates.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank">
</figcaption></figure>"It's exactly what you see. It's a good time," Harrison said. "He's learned a lot from the past year. He wants to be a part of something special, and that's what we've got here. I think he's a good fit for what we've got, because he has fun."
Kang also has shown a flair for the dramatic. Last season, he hit the Pirates' first grand slam. His first Major League homer was a game-tying shot last May against hard-throwing Cardinals closer Trevor Rosenthal. So perhaps his dazzling 2016 debut shouldn't have been a surprise.
"He's a guy that's able to show up under the bright lights," Hurdle said. "Where it goes from here, time will tell."
Kang has an idea, though.
"It was a little hard for me to play this game in such a tight situation," Kang said. "But it's going to get better, and I'm looking forward to that."
Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
</section>
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ST. LOUIS -- Jung Ho Kang wasn't nervous. That's not the right word. It had been 232 days since devastating left knee injuries brought his outstanding rookie season to a premature end. But here he was, healthy, back in the big leagues. He was anxious, he said. Excited, too. And it showed.
Kang returned to the Pirates' lineup on Friday night at Busch Stadium. He swung at the first three pitches he saw, hitting into three outs in his first two at-bats. Then Kang found his timing and power, barreling two home runs in a 4-2 win against the Cardinals.
"It's a relief for me," Kang said through interpreter H.K. Kim.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Kang's anxiety crept into his approach in his first two at-bats. In the second inning, Kang hit into a double play on the first pitch. With the bases loaded and no outs in the fourth -- after the previous batter was walked on four pitches by Cards righty Carlos Martinez -- Kang once again swung at the first pitch and popped out to second base.
Kang remained aggressive in his third at-bat -- on "fast-forward," manager Clint Hurdle said -- but this time, it worked. Kang lashed at a 90-mph fastball fastball from lefty reliever Tyler Lyons, high and away, and launched it over the right-field wall to give the Pirates a 3-0 lead.
Two innings later, he unloaded on a full-count fastball from Kevin Siegrist, pulling it 427 feet into the left-field stands.
"A very gifted player was able to have a very special night," Hurdle said.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Added Cardinals manager Mike Matheny: "We watched Kang last year, too, and he caused damage. Didn't know what kind of roll he was on. Apparently, he likes hitting here."
Pirates lefty Francisco Liriano, who picked up the win with 10 K's in seven innings, agreed: "To see him do that today is amazing."
How did he do it?
On Sept. 17, Kang had surgery to repair a fractured tibial plateau and a torn meniscus, the result of former Cubs outfielder Chris Coghlan's takeout slide at second base. The Pirates compared his injuries to something sustained in a serious motor-vehicle accident.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>"Everybody in the organization that's been a part of this or watched this whole process take place is blown away by this man's courage, determination, resiliency, perseverance," Hurdle said. "It's been crazy good."
After spending part of the winter recovering in Pittsburgh, Kang moved his rehabilitation to Florida in December. He remained there until starting a Triple-A rehab assignment last month. In 13 games, he hit .150 with a .442 OPS. Was he really ready to come back?
On Friday afternoon, shortly after he had been officially activated, Kang admitted he'd have to wait and see how long it took to get his timing back.
As it turned out, the South Korean slugger needed all of three pitches.
"That's a bat we missed," second baseman Josh Harrison said. "He was very important for our lineup last year, and it's good to have him back."
The first position player to jump straight from the Korean Baseball Organization to the Majors, Kang hit .287/.355/.461 with 15 home runs and 58 RBIs last season. With an understated work ethic and sense of humor, he instantly became a fan favorite and endeared himself to his coaches and teammates.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>"It's exactly what you see. It's a good time," Harrison said. "He's learned a lot from the past year. He wants to be a part of something special, and that's what we've got here. I think he's a good fit for what we've got, because he has fun."
Kang also has shown a flair for the dramatic. Last season, he hit the Pirates' first grand slam. His first Major League homer was a game-tying shot last May against hard-throwing Cardinals closer Trevor Rosenthal. So perhaps his dazzling 2016 debut shouldn't have been a surprise.
"He's a guy that's able to show up under the bright lights," Hurdle said. "Where it goes from here, time will tell."
Kang has an idea, though.
"It was a little hard for me to play this game in such a tight situation," Kang said. "But it's going to get better, and I'm looking forward to that."
Adam Berry has covered the Pirates for MLB.com since 2015. Follow him on Twitter at@adamdberry. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
</section>
| CENTRAL | W | L | PCT | GB | HOME | ROAD | RS | RA | DIFF | STRK | L10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 22 | 6 | .786 | - | 9-3 | 13-3 | 172 | 74 | +98 | W5 | 9-1 |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 16 | 13 | .552 | 6.5 | 7-7 | 9-6 | 142 | 137 | +5 | W1 | 6-4 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 15 | 15 | .500 | 8 | 8-9 | 7-6 | 164 | 121 | +43 | L1 | 4-6 |
| Cincinnati Reds | 13 | 17 | .433 | 10 | 11-7 | 2-10 | 121 | 167 | -46 | W3 | 4-6 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 11 | 18 | .379 | 11.5 | 8-9 | 3-9 | 125 | 172 | -47 | L3 | 3-7 |
<thead class="standings-categories" style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</thead><tbody style="box-sizing: border-box;">
</tbody>
Grégory Polanco[SUP]DFP[/SUP]
homered (348 ft.) to left, Seán Rodríguez[SUP]DFP[/SUP]
and Andrew McCutchen[SUP]DFP[/SUP]
scored<dd class="score" id="yui_3_18_1_1_1462740323281_1798">PIT 8 - STL 2 THAT SHOULD PUT THE CARDS AWAY-- -good job buccos</dd>
homered (348 ft.) to left, Seán Rodríguez[SUP]DFP[/SUP]
and Andrew McCutchen[SUP]DFP[/SUP]
scored<dd class="score" id="yui_3_18_1_1_1462740323281_1798">PIT 8 - STL 2 THAT SHOULD PUT THE CARDS AWAY-- -good job buccos</dd>
don't be so sure,they just got 3 runs in the 7th to make it 8-5,....our bullpen sucks big time,.....the starters are not much better but we have to rely on them,......was there on tuesday to see them play the Cubs with Arrieta pitching and it was a disgrace to see,........best thing about the whole game was,i got to talk with Joe Maddon manager of the Cubs and he also signed my baseball
[FONT=mlb_primary]<header class="cf top" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; background-color: transparent;">Bucs use long ball, then small ball to nip Reds
</header>[/FONT]
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CINCINNATI -- The Pirates' first four hits, and runs, of Wednesday's game vs. the Reds came via home runs. But those weren't what won them the game in come-from-behind fashion by a 5-4 score. It was their two softer hits in the top of the ninth -- an infield single from Jung Ho Kang and a blooper by Jordy Mercer.
"It's a gritty win. I thought it was a very gutsy effort by our guys throughout the game," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "It was an interesting game a lot of different ways."
Andrew McCutchen, David Freese and Kang each hit solo homers off Reds starter Alfredo Simon. Cincinnati still had a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning with two outs when Josh Harrisonhit a 1-0 pitch from reliever Tony Cingrani to center field for the game-tying solo home run.
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</figcaption></figure>• First impressions: Bucs' Freese plan in place
In the top of the ninth against Ross Ohlendorf, Kang bounced a grounder near the middle of the infield. Shortstop Zack Cozart made a nice effort to get the ball, but his spin and throw was wide of Jordan Pacheco at first base and went into a camera well -- ruled a single and an error. Pacheco, an inexperienced first baseman filling in for the rested Joey Votto, tried stretching for the catch instead of coming off the bag.
"In the end, it's a tough play either way," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He's trying to get the out. You don't see that very often. You're really trying to get that out to the best of your ability. I thought he put everything he had into trying to catch that ball and hold the bag. It just didn't happen. I'm not putting anything on Jordan for that."
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</figcaption></figure>Following a sacrifice bunt by Sean Rodriguez, the infield was in when Mercer's bloop RBI single over Pacheco's head fell into short right field for the go-ahead run.
"Just trying to get a ball up, get a ball in the air," Mercer said. "You know he's going to come at you in that situation. Luckily it worked out."
Tony Watson earned the victory with a scoreless eighth inning of relief, while Mark Melancon collected his 10th save -- putting two men on, including the go-ahead run with two outs, before Tucker Barnhart struck out to end it.
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</figcaption></figure>MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
HBP's; benches warned: On a 3-0 count with two outs in the top of the fourth inning, Simon went inside with a pitch to Francisco Cervelli and knocked him down for the walk. On the very next pitch, Simon plunked Kang with a pitch on the back. To begin the bottom of the fourth, Nicasio returned the favor by plunking Brandon Phillips with his first pitch, and that drew warnings to both benches by home-plate umpire Jeff Kellogg.
All told, there were six hit-by-pitches recorded, with the Pirates being plunked four times. Ohlendorf and Price were ejected when Ohlendorf hit Freese on the hand with a 2-0 fastball in the ninth.
"I didn't really have a beef with the ejection, because after all the hit-by-pitches, at some point in time he's got to run somebody out of there," Price said. More >
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</figcaption></figure>Bruce makes Nicasio pay: Right after Phillips was hit by the pitch, Jay Bruce cashed in with a two-run home run off the end of his bat on a 3-1 pitch high and outside. The ball barely cleared the left-field fence, but it gave Bruce his 126th homer hit at Great American Ball Park, tying Adam Dunn for most all-time.
Kang Show, Part 3: Kang brought the Pirates within a run in the seventh inning, launching his third home run to left field off Simon. Kang hit a pair of homers in his season debut on Friday -- his first game since Sept. 17, when he underwent surgery to repair a pair of left knee injuries -- and continued to display the power stroke he showed as a rookie last season.
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</figcaption></figure>Cutch happening: After another disappointing April at the plate, McCutchen appears to be heating up.
He extended his hitting streak to six games with a solo shot to right field in the fourth inning, his team-leading seventh home run. Historically, it's been a good sign for McCutchen when he's able to hit for power to the opposite field, so perhaps this is the beginning of another hot stretch for the Pirates' star center fielder.
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</figcaption></figure>"I'm just going to keep writing his name in the lineup, letting him play, and hopefully we'll keep talking about him," Hurdle said.
QUOTABLE
"Tony has thrown the ball really, really well, particularly of late. It seems right now that if we get a ball up in the zone, and opposing hitters put it in play, the ball goes out of the ballpark. It's not a base hit to right, it's not a ground-ball single up the middle, it's a homer. It's a phenomenon like I haven't seen." -- Price, on Cingrani, who came in with a streak of 5 1/3 scoreless innings over his last four appearances.
"Now I'm getting hit so much that it's affecting my at-bat, the way I position myself, the way I'm reading pitches. So yeah, it is frustrating." -- Starling Marte, who has been hit by seven pitches this season
• Hamilton plays day after nephew's tragic death
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
• During their nine-game homestand, the Reds and their opponents (Giants, Brewers, Pirates) combined to hit 36 home runs. That is tied for the second-most homers during a Cincinnati homestand of 10 games or fewer. It last happened in August 2006, while the high mark of 40 homers was set in July 2005.
"Sometimes that's what happens in this ballpark. But it's certainly not the ballpark to blame. We're a better pitching staff than that," Price said.
• The Pirates' four HBP's were one shy of their franchise record. That was set way back on April 23, 1890, when the Pirates were plunked five times by the Cleveland Spiders.
UPON FURTHER REVIEW / PIRATES EJECTIONS
• Kang was batting with two outs in the top of the sixth, when Marte appeared to successfully steal second base just ahead of a tag from Phillips, who disputed the safe call by umpire Alan Porter. The Reds challenged, and Porter's call was overturned when the replay showed Marte did not maintain contact with the bag as Phillips applied the tag. Marte and Hurdle argued the overturned call and were ejected.
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</figcaption></figure>"I'm going to make a couple phone calls tomorrow," Hurdle said. "For Marte to get thrown, that complicated things for me." More >
• In the bottom of the seventh, Adam Duvall was called out trying to steal second base by Porter. The Reds also challenged that call but were unsuccessful. Following the review, it was determined that the call stood.
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</figcaption></figure>WHAT'S NEXT
Pirates: After an off-day in Chicago on Thursday, the Pirates will begin a three-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field at 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday. Left-hander Francisco Lirianowill open the series against Cubs right-hander Jason Hammel. The Cubs swept the Pirates -- and outscored them, 20-5 -- when the NL Central rivals met at PNC Park last week.
Reds: Following an off-day on Thursday, the Reds open a five-game road trip Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Brandon Finnegan will make the start against Jeremy Hellickson. Finnegan gave up two earned runs and three hits over six innings the last time he faced the Phillies on April 6.
</section>
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CINCINNATI -- The Pirates' first four hits, and runs, of Wednesday's game vs. the Reds came via home runs. But those weren't what won them the game in come-from-behind fashion by a 5-4 score. It was their two softer hits in the top of the ninth -- an infield single from Jung Ho Kang and a blooper by Jordy Mercer.
"It's a gritty win. I thought it was a very gutsy effort by our guys throughout the game," Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. "It was an interesting game a lot of different ways."
Andrew McCutchen, David Freese and Kang each hit solo homers off Reds starter Alfredo Simon. Cincinnati still had a 4-3 lead in the eighth inning with two outs when Josh Harrisonhit a 1-0 pitch from reliever Tony Cingrani to center field for the game-tying solo home run.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
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In the top of the ninth against Ross Ohlendorf, Kang bounced a grounder near the middle of the infield. Shortstop Zack Cozart made a nice effort to get the ball, but his spin and throw was wide of Jordan Pacheco at first base and went into a camera well -- ruled a single and an error. Pacheco, an inexperienced first baseman filling in for the rested Joey Votto, tried stretching for the catch instead of coming off the bag.
"In the end, it's a tough play either way," Reds manager Bryan Price said. "He's trying to get the out. You don't see that very often. You're really trying to get that out to the best of your ability. I thought he put everything he had into trying to catch that ball and hold the bag. It just didn't happen. I'm not putting anything on Jordan for that."
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Following a sacrifice bunt by Sean Rodriguez, the infield was in when Mercer's bloop RBI single over Pacheco's head fell into short right field for the go-ahead run.
"Just trying to get a ball up, get a ball in the air," Mercer said. "You know he's going to come at you in that situation. Luckily it worked out."
Tony Watson earned the victory with a scoreless eighth inning of relief, while Mark Melancon collected his 10th save -- putting two men on, including the go-ahead run with two outs, before Tucker Barnhart struck out to end it.
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<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>MOMENTS THAT MATTERED
HBP's; benches warned: On a 3-0 count with two outs in the top of the fourth inning, Simon went inside with a pitch to Francisco Cervelli and knocked him down for the walk. On the very next pitch, Simon plunked Kang with a pitch on the back. To begin the bottom of the fourth, Nicasio returned the favor by plunking Brandon Phillips with his first pitch, and that drew warnings to both benches by home-plate umpire Jeff Kellogg.
All told, there were six hit-by-pitches recorded, with the Pirates being plunked four times. Ohlendorf and Price were ejected when Ohlendorf hit Freese on the hand with a 2-0 fastball in the ninth.
"I didn't really have a beef with the ejection, because after all the hit-by-pitches, at some point in time he's got to run somebody out of there," Price said. More >
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Bruce makes Nicasio pay: Right after Phillips was hit by the pitch, Jay Bruce cashed in with a two-run home run off the end of his bat on a 3-1 pitch high and outside. The ball barely cleared the left-field fence, but it gave Bruce his 126th homer hit at Great American Ball Park, tying Adam Dunn for most all-time.
Kang Show, Part 3: Kang brought the Pirates within a run in the seventh inning, launching his third home run to left field off Simon. Kang hit a pair of homers in his season debut on Friday -- his first game since Sept. 17, when he underwent surgery to repair a pair of left knee injuries -- and continued to display the power stroke he showed as a rookie last season.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>Cutch happening: After another disappointing April at the plate, McCutchen appears to be heating up.
He extended his hitting streak to six games with a solo shot to right field in the fourth inning, his team-leading seventh home run. Historically, it's been a good sign for McCutchen when he's able to hit for power to the opposite field, so perhaps this is the beginning of another hot stretch for the Pirates' star center fielder.
<figure class="poster has-video " style="margin: 26px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; text-align: center; overflow: hidden; max-height: 600px; position: relative; background: rgb(238, 238, 238);">
<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>"I'm just going to keep writing his name in the lineup, letting him play, and hopefully we'll keep talking about him," Hurdle said.
QUOTABLE
"Tony has thrown the ball really, really well, particularly of late. It seems right now that if we get a ball up in the zone, and opposing hitters put it in play, the ball goes out of the ballpark. It's not a base hit to right, it's not a ground-ball single up the middle, it's a homer. It's a phenomenon like I haven't seen." -- Price, on Cingrani, who came in with a streak of 5 1/3 scoreless innings over his last four appearances.
"Now I'm getting hit so much that it's affecting my at-bat, the way I position myself, the way I'm reading pitches. So yeah, it is frustrating." -- Starling Marte, who has been hit by seven pitches this season
• Hamilton plays day after nephew's tragic death
SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS
• During their nine-game homestand, the Reds and their opponents (Giants, Brewers, Pirates) combined to hit 36 home runs. That is tied for the second-most homers during a Cincinnati homestand of 10 games or fewer. It last happened in August 2006, while the high mark of 40 homers was set in July 2005.
"Sometimes that's what happens in this ballpark. But it's certainly not the ballpark to blame. We're a better pitching staff than that," Price said.
• The Pirates' four HBP's were one shy of their franchise record. That was set way back on April 23, 1890, when the Pirates were plunked five times by the Cleveland Spiders.
UPON FURTHER REVIEW / PIRATES EJECTIONS
• Kang was batting with two outs in the top of the sixth, when Marte appeared to successfully steal second base just ahead of a tag from Phillips, who disputed the safe call by umpire Alan Porter. The Reds challenged, and Porter's call was overturned when the replay showed Marte did not maintain contact with the bag as Phillips applied the tag. Marte and Hurdle argued the overturned call and were ejected.
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<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>"I'm going to make a couple phone calls tomorrow," Hurdle said. "For Marte to get thrown, that complicated things for me." More >
• In the bottom of the seventh, Adam Duvall was called out trying to steal second base by Porter. The Reds also challenged that call but were unsuccessful. Following the review, it was determined that the call stood.
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<figcaption class="meta-data video" style="margin: 0px; padding: 15px 20px; border: 0px; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-size: inherit; line-height: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; position: absolute; bottom: 0px; text-align: left; color: rgb(255, 255, 255); min-height: 54px; box-sizing: border-box; width: 660px; background: url("<a href=" http:="" ui.bamstatic.com="" mlbv2="" sections="" news2="" images="" caption-bg.png""="" target="_blank"></figcaption></figure>WHAT'S NEXT
Pirates: After an off-day in Chicago on Thursday, the Pirates will begin a three-game series against the Cubs at Wrigley Field at 2:20 p.m. ET on Friday. Left-hander Francisco Lirianowill open the series against Cubs right-hander Jason Hammel. The Cubs swept the Pirates -- and outscored them, 20-5 -- when the NL Central rivals met at PNC Park last week.
Reds: Following an off-day on Thursday, the Reds open a five-game road trip Friday at 7:05 p.m. ET against the Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Brandon Finnegan will make the start against Jeremy Hellickson. Finnegan gave up two earned runs and three hits over six innings the last time he faced the Phillies on April 6.
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