THE BLACK- GOLD-NEWS
Pirates-When last we left our Buccos, they were getting ready to go on a historic run. They defeated the Philly Sillies last Friday night, 1-0 in extra innings, to earn Manager Clint Hurdle his 900th career victory. More history was made in Saturday's 4-3 win over Philly as CF Andrew McCutchen collected the 500th RBI of his career. On Sunday, the Pirates completed the sweep of Philly, again in extras, a 1-0 victory. Monday saw the Pirates pummel the White Sox in Chicago, 11-0. Tuesday was another W for the Bucs and another shutout of the Sox, 3-0. Wednesday the Pirates were winners again, edging the ChiSox 3-2. The pitching staff's scoreless streak came to an end after 35 shutout innings. C Francisco Cervelli's streak of scoreless innings caught ended at 56. The Pirates reached another milestone with Thursday's 3-2 win over Chicago. The Bucs led MLB with 8 series sweeps, they had a season-high 8-game winning streak and RH Gerrit Cole became the 1st 11-game winner in the Majors this season. Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end as the Pirates streak fell in a 4-1 loss in Washington on Friday. Things only got worse for the Bucs. On Saturday Max Scherzer had a perfect game with 2 outs and a 2-2 count on OF Jose Tabata in the top of the 9th. Tabata's elbow helped the Pirates avoid the embarrassment of the perfecto as he was hit by a pitch. Scherzer did walk away with the no-hitter in a 6-0 Gnats win. Sunday the Gnats completed the sweep, pounding the Pirates 9-2. The Pirates also made some roster moves this week. The were able to come to terms with most of their draft picks including both 1st rounders, SS Kevin Newman of Arizona and 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes from Concordia Lutheran (TX) High School They also agreed to terms with 2nd round pick SS Kevin Kramer out of UCLA. In minor league news the Pirates promoted OF Willy Garcia from Double A Altoona to Triple A Indy. There was also a trade as the Pirates sent Indy RH Collin Balestar to Cincy for a player to be named. RH Angel Sanchez will make the trek from Altoona to Indy, too. Tomorrow night the Pirates are back at PNC as they begin a 3-game series with Cincy. Time to get back in the win column and raise the Jolly Roger. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!
Steelers-As our Steelers began minicamp this week, word spread that DC Keith Butler is expecting his defensive linemen to do more than eat up space for his linebackers this season. Get ready to see more rushing the passer from the likes of Cam Heyward, Stephon Tuitt and company. Any moves created to help rush the passer and thus give the D opportunities for turnovers is a welcome addition. The team will reconvene at St. Vincent July 25 for the start of the 50th edition of training camp in Latrobe. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
Penguins-Our Pens made a few moves this week. They signed D Niclas Andersen to a 1-year, entry-level deal. Andersen has spent his career playing in Europe. We'll see if his style of play translates well to the NHL. The Pens also named longtime assistant Jacques Martin as special assistant to the head coach. Martin is expected to assist in advanced scouting and as an "eye in the sky", working with the coaching staff from the press box area. One more move the Pens made was the announcement that veteran NHL coah Mike Sullivan has been hired as head coach for their Wilkes-Barre Scranton affiliate. Sullivan has experience with the Bruins, Lightning, Rangers, Canucks and Blackhawks organizations. Finally, the Pens announced that LW Pascal Dupuis, out most of the season due to blood clots, is expected to return next season. Duper was given the go-ahead to begin workouts towards his comeback. Let's Go Pens!!!
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