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Opposite dugout: Pirates have punch and are viable in an NL Central still up for grabs

June 05, 2017, 10:31am

Orioles

Opposite dugout: Pirates have punch and are viable in an NL Central still up for grabs

Manager: Clint Hurdle (7th year) Record: 26-31 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: 2B Josh Harrison (.308/.371/.466), CF Andrew McCutchen (.232/.313/.419, 28 RBIs) RF Gregory Polanco (.264/.338/.403, 7 steals), 1B Josh Bell (.221/.300/.447, 11 HR), LHP Tony Watson (4-1, 10 saves) Season series vs. Orioles: First meeting (1-3 in 2014) Pitching probables: June 6: RHP Ivan Nova vs. RHP Kevin Gausman, 7:05 p.m., MASN June 7: RHP Chad Kuhl vs. LHP Wade Miley, 7:05 p.m., MASN2 Just four games separate...

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Opposite dugout: Pirates have gone from contender to sinking ship

May 15, 2017, 1:47pm

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Pirates have gone from contender to sinking ship

Manager: Clint Hurdle (7th season) Record: 16-22 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: 3B Josh Harrison (.288/.354/.455 with 5 HR, 12 RBIs), 1B Josh Bell (7 HR, 13 RBIs), CF Andrew McCutchen (6 HR, 17 RBIs), RHP Gerrit Cole (1-4, 3.06 ERA, 47 Ks), LHP Felipe Rivero (0.87 ERA, 0.82 WHIP, 9 holds, 22 Ks), LHP Tony Watson (1.62 ERA, 8 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (2-4 in 2016) Pitching probables: May 16: RHP Stephen Strasburg vs. RHP Chad Kuhl, 7:05 p.m., MASN May 17: RHP Jacob...

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Game 38 lineups: Nats at Pirates

May 16, 2017, 11:28am

Nationals

PITTSBURGH - Hello from beautiful PNC Park, where the sun is shining and it's going to be very toasty the next three days as the Nationals and Pirates square off. The stakes aren't quite as high for this series as that other series between teams from Washington and Pittsburgh the last couple weeks, but these are important games for the Nats, who are hoping to avoid the kind of late-inning fiascos that were an issue pretty much every single night last week. Stephen Strasburg is on the mound...

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Examining the NL Central as the Cubs look to repeat as world champions

March 29, 2017, 7:26am

Nationals

Examining the NL Central as the Cubs look to repeat as world champions

The Chicago Cubs are defending a World Series title for the first time since 1909, and this year, they are one of the best teams in the National League. The favorite to win the NL Central? Without a doubt, it is the Cubs. The Cardinals have the best chance to challenge, but their rotation has questions. The Pirates could surprise, but their pitching is young. And the Reds and Brewers are rebuilding with little chance of a .500 record. For the record, the Cubs won 104 games in 1909 and lost the...

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Can the Cubs rotation help them start a dynasty?

February 08, 2017, 6:28am

Nationals

Can the Cubs rotation help them start a dynasty?

The Chicago Cubs, World Series champions for the first time since 1908, are the favorites to win the National League Central. The question is: Could the Cubs - and their youthful position-player roster - be baseball's answer to the NFL's New England Patriots, who won their fifth Super Bowl? The Reds and Brewers are rebuilding. The Pirates have taken a step back. The Cardinals are the only team with a chance to challenge the Cubs. Here's a look at the NL Central: Chicago: The Cubs, defending...

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Opposite dugout: Pirates need series vs. Nats to keep wild card hopes alive

September 22, 2016, 8:12pm

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Pirates need series vs. Nats to keep wild card hopes alive

Manager: Clint Hurdle (6th season) Record: 76-76 Last 10 games: 7-3 Who to watch: CF Andrew McCutchen (24 HR, 75 RBIs), RF Gregory Polanco (22 HR, 85 RBIs), LF Starling Marte (.311/.362/.457), RHP Ivan Nova (5-1, 2.93 ERA), LHP Tony Watson (3.15 ERA with 15 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 1-2 Pitching probables: Sept. 23: LHP Gio Gonzalez vs. RHP Jameson Taillon, 7:05 p.m., MASN Sept. 24: RHP Joe Ross vs. RHP Ivan Nova, 7:05 p.m., MASN Sept. 25: RHP A.J. Cole vs. LHP Steven Brault, 1:35...

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Talks heating up to acquire Melancon from Pirates

July 30, 2016, 10:26am

Nationals

Talks heating up to acquire Melancon from Pirates

The Nationals continue to pursue bullpen help as the Aug. 1 trade deadline looms. The Pirates and Nationals' talks regarding right-hander Mark Melancon are heating up, a league source confirmed. The Pirates are interested in a top starting pitching prospect in return, or maybe two. Pittsburgh inquired about No. 1 pitching prospect Lucas Giolito, but he is unavailable. The talks center around a package that would contain right-hander Erick Fedde or right-hander Reynaldo Lopez, or both,...

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Roark delivers eight strong innings, Nats drop Pirates 6-0

July 16, 2016, 6:54pm

Nationals

Roark delivers eight strong innings, Nats drop Pirates 6-0

The same script repeated itself in the first two games of the series between the Nationals and Pirates at Nationals Park. A Nats starter went at least eight innings. The Nats scored at least five runs, including a homer. The Pirates committed defensive mistakes. The Nats won the series Saturday night in a rain-delayed 6-0 defeat of Pittsburgh. Tanner Roark (9-5) went eight innings plus two batters, allowing five hits. Blake Treinen notched three outs in the ninth. The Nats have won five in a...

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Opposite dugout: Recent surge has stoked Pirates' postseason chances

July 14, 2016, 11:56am

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Recent surge has stoked Pirates' postseason chances

Manager: Clint Hurdle (6th season) Record: 46-43 Last 10 games: 8-2 Who to watch: LF Starling Marte (.316/.363/.460 with 30 SB), RF Gregory Polanco (.287 with 12 HR, 50 RBIs), CF Andrew McCutchen (14 HR, 38 RBIs), RHP Gerrit Cole (5-4, 2.77 ERA), RHP Mark Melancon (1.23 ERA, 27 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 1st meeting (3-4 in 2015) Pitching probables: July 15: LHP Francisco Liriano vs. RHP Stephen Strasburg, 7:05 p.m., MASN July 16: RHP Gerrit Cole vs. RHP Tanner Roark, 7:05 p.m., MASN...

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Strasburg goes to 13-0 with eight strong in win over Pirates

July 15, 2016, 5:51pm

Nationals

Strasburg goes to 13-0 with eight strong in win over Pirates

It turns out the rest might have worked out perfectly for Stephen Strasburg. Or maybe he didn't really need it at all. Strasburg twirled eight innings and allowed only one run, becoming the first National League starting pitcher since 1912 to start a season 13-0. The Nationals dropped the Pirates 5-1. Selected to the All-Star Game in his hometown of San Diego, Strasburg sat out of the game to rest and get ready for the second half. Earlier this season, he had been on the disabled list for 17...

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Opposite dugout: Pitching highlights series again as Pirates look to get back at Nationals

July 22, 2015, 5:33pm

Nationals

Manager: Clint Hurdle (5th season) Record: 54-40 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: CF Andrew McCutchen (.290/.388/.486 with 12 HR, 57 RBIs), LF Starling Marte (.289/.336/.458 with 13 HR, 50 RBIs), 1B Pedro Alvarez (12 HR and 43 RBIs), RHP Gerrit Cole (13-4, 2.31 ERA), RHP A.J. Burnett (8-3, 2.44 ERA), RHP Mark Melancon (1.43 ERA, 30 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: 0-3 Pitching probables: July 23: RHP Doug Fister vs. LHP Francisco Liriano, 7:05 p.m., MASN July 24: RHP Max Scherzer vs. LHP...

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Harper and Werth updates following 4-1 win over Pirates

June 19, 2015, 6:53pm

Nationals

Harper and Werth updates following 4-1 win over Pirates

Following Friday's 4-1 win over the Pirates, Nationals manager Matt Williams had an update on right fielder Bryce Harper. Harper did not play in the game as he nursed a sore left hamstring strain. Williams said Harper worked in the weight room and got treatment throughout the day after slipping on the wet field Thursday night against Tampa Bay when making a throw from the outfield to the plate. "He did OK," Williams reported. "He did some leg work today, didn't hit, but did some leg work...

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Opposite dugout: Surging Pirates getting strong offense, stronger pitching

June 17, 2015, 1:50pm

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Surging Pirates getting strong offense, stronger pitching

Manager: Clint Hurdle (5th season) Record: 39-27 Last 10 games: 8-2 Who to watch: CF Andrew McCutchen (.294/.375/.479 with 8 HR, 42 RBIs), C Francisco Cervelli (.316 with 19 RBIs), LF Starling Marte (.285 with 12 HR, 45 RBIs. 13 SB), 3B Josh Harrison (.284 with 22 RBIs), RHP Charlie Morton (5-0, 1.62 ERA), RHP A.J. Burnett (6-2, 1.89 ERA), RHP Mark Melancon (1.87 ERA, 23 saves) Season series vs. Nationals: First meeting (3-4 in 2014) Pitching probables: June 19: RHP A.J. Burnett vs. RHP Joe...

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Hairston, Werth, Fister and Soriano after Nationals 6-5 win

August 17, 2014, 6:08pm

Nationals

Pinch-hitter Scott Hairston came up in the eleventh and delivered the game-winning, walk-off winner. He drove a pitch to deep left field that scored Jayson Werth from third base on a sac fly, lifting the Nationals to an 11-inning thrilling 6-5 win over the Pirates. Hairston knew it was so late in the game that a lefty-righty matchup wasn't the only way he could pinch-hit. "I figured the pitching spot was up third," Hairston told reporters. "I don't think we had anybody else on the bench....

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Opposite dugout: Pirates dealing well with injury woes to stay in NL Central race

August 15, 2014, 5:56am

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Pirates dealing well with injury woes to stay in NL Central race

Manager: Clint Hurdle, fourth year Record: 64-57 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: 2B Neil Walker (.277/.347/.456, 16 HR, 50 RBIs); UT Josh Harrison (.313/.351/.503, 25 doubles, 10 HR, 38 RBIs, 17 SB); RHP Edinson Volquez (10-7, 3.67 ERA, 1.27 WHIP); RHP Charlie Morton (5-11, 3.62 ERA, 1.23 WHIP) Season series vs. Nats: 3-1, 12 runs scored, 11 runs allowed Pitching probables Aug. 15: Charlie Morton vs. Tanner Roark, 7 p.m., MASN HD Aug. 16: Jeff Locke vs. Gio Gonzalez, 7 p.m., MASN HD Aug. 17:...

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Opposite dugout: Pirates still seeking form that got them to playoffs a year ago

May 21, 2014, 5:40pm

Nationals

Opposite dugout: Pirates still seeking form that got them to playoffs a year ago

Manager: Clint Hurdle, fourth year Record: 19-26 Last 10 games: 4-6 Who to watch: CF Andrew McCutchen (.317/.436/.488, 18 XBH, 21 RBIs); 2B Neil Walker (.257/.333/.446, 9 HR, 25 RBIs); RHP Gerrit Cole (4-3, 3.84 ERA); RHP Charlie Morton (0-6, 3.45 ERA) Season series vs. Nats (2013): 4-3, 31 runs scored, 29 runs against Pitching probables May 22: Edinson Volquez vs. Blake Treinen, 7 p.m., MASN2 HD May 23: Charlie Morton vs. Jordan Zimmermann, 7 p.m., MASN2 HD May 24: Gerrit Cole vs. Stephen...

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Opposite dugout: Pirates beginning to emerge from early-season funk

May 19, 2014, 7:49pm

Orioles

Opposite dugout: Pirates beginning to emerge from early-season funk

Manager: Clint Hurdle, fourth year Record: 18-25 Last 10 games: 5-5 Who to watch: CF Andrew McCutchen (.301/.425/.468, 16 XBH, 19 RBIs); 2B Neil Walker (.259/.339/.458, 9 HR, 25 RBIs); LHP Francisco Liriano (0-3, 4.25 ERA, 49 K); LHP Wandy Rodriguez (0-2, 6.84 ERA) Season series vs. O's: 0-2, 6 runs scored, 11 runs against Pitching probables May 20: Francisco Liriano vs. Miguel Gonzalez, 7 p.m., MASN2 HD May 21: Wandy Rodriguez vs. Chris Tillman, 7 p.m., MASN2 HD Series breakdown Since the...

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Opposite dugout: Slumping Pirates look to get on track in Baltimore

April 29, 2014, 6:58am

Orioles

Opposite dugout: Slumping Pirates look to get on track in Baltimore

Manager: Clint Hurdle, fourth year Record: 10-16 Last 10 games: 2-8 Who to watch: CF Andrew McCutchen (.286/.408/.500, 4 HR, 14 RBIs); 2B Neil Walker (.235/.291/.431, 6 HR, 12 RBIs); 3B Pedro Alvarez (.172/.280/.387, 6 HR, 14 RBI); RHP Brandon Cumpton (0-1, 2.57 ERA) Season series vs. O's (2013): Did not play Pitching probables April 29: Charlie Morton vs. Chris Tillman, 7 p.m., MASN HD April 30: Brandon Cumpton vs. Bud Norris, 7 p.m., MASN HD Series breakdown The Pirates were starting to...

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On the verge of elimination (Nats lose, won't be postseason-bound)

September 23, 2013, 6:58pm

Nationals

On the verge of elimination (Nats lose, won't be postseason-bound)

ST. LOUIS - Not only are the Nationals losing here in the late innings in St. Louis, but the Pirates and Reds just won in dramatic fashion. With their win, the Pirates will clinch a playoff spot if the Nats lose here tonight. Same deal with the Reds. Put in other words, the Nats are three outs away from elimination. The Nats go into the top of the ninth inning trailing the Cardinals 4-3. A Ryan Zimmerman RBI groundout in the eighth cut the Cardinals' lead in half, but the Nats will need a...

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Hope stays alive for another day

September 21, 2013, 6:32am

Nationals

It sure is starting to feel like playoff season, all right. The Reds and Pirates played a thrilling 10-inning ballgame last night, in which Cincinnati came from two runs down in the ninth to tie the game and then won it in extras on Joey Votto's home run. The Cardinals and Brewers played a crazy 10-inning game of their own, in which St. Louis scored twice in the top of the ninth to take a 6-4 lead, only to see the Brewers tie it up in the bottom of the ninth with two of their own. The...