THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS
PIRATES
Our Pirates started off the week with some good news as it was announced that RH AJ Burnett was diagnosed with a flexor strain. AJ will undergo treatment and will be out approximately 4 weeks. This is much better than the dreaded Tommy John surgery, as Bucco fans across the land held their collective breath. Get well soon, AJ!
More good news for the Bucs as INF Jung Ho Kang was named NL Rookie of the Month for July. Congrats to Jung Ho. Love the Kang Show!
In a roster move, the Pirates optioned OF Jaff Decker back to Triple A Indy.
After lengthy rain delays on Monday, the Pirates opener with the Chicago Scrubs was postponed. There is a rumor the game will be re-scheduled as part of a day/night doubleheader on September 15. However, Mrs. Black-N-Gold just checked the Pirates schedule on their website and there is no mention of it. They only have the 14th off in September so that is not an option due to the CBA.
The Pirates probably wish Tuesday's tilt against the Scrubs was washed out as well since they were shutout 5-0. They managed to earn a split in the abbreviated series by defeating the Scrubs on Wednesday, 7-5.
There were some more moves announced as 3B Josh Harrison and SS Jordy Mercer are expected to begin their rehab assignments this week. JHay on Tuesday and Jordy on 8/14. Both are to rehab with Triple A Indy. Get better, guys! There was also news that Indy RH Deolis Guerra was picked up in a waiver claim by Cleveland only to have him returned to the Pirates later in the week due to a pre existing injury. The Pirates than placed Guerra on the DL due to knee inflammation.
On Friday night, the Bucs returned to action in the first of a 3-game series with the LA Codgers. It was hyped as a pitcher's duel between All-Stars Clayton Kershaw for LA and the Pirates Gerrit Cole. It turned out to be anything but. OF Gregory Polanco needed just 1 pitch and 1 swing to put the Pirates up 1-0 and break Cy Young winner Kershaw's streak of 37 scoreless innings. Believe Mrs. Black-N-Gold when she tells you, this game made her drink. A lot. It was a seesaw battle all night long as our Buccos prevailed 5-4. The Pirates took Saturday's game, too, 6-5 to go up a season-best 20 games over .500. Congrats to CF Andrew McCutchen as he collected his 1100th career hit. Congrats, Cutch!
The Pirates also have decided to skip LH JA Happ's turn in the rotation when they faceoff against NL Central leading St Louie beginning Tuesday night. Another pitching note: RH Vance Worley cleared waivers but as this went to print, had not still accepted his assignment to Triple A Indy.
Our Buccos continue to roll with a come-from-behind 13-6 win to sweep LA on Sunday Night Baseball. The Pirates erupted for 9 runs in the bottom of the 7th to pummel the NL West leaders. The Bucs now take their show on the road as they open a 3-game series on Tuesday against NL Central-leading St Louie. Don't look now but we're 5 games back and a season-high 21 games over .500. Keep on BUCN! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!
STEELERS
Our Steelers were happy to announce that C Maurkice Pouncey was activated from the PUP list as the week began. Unfortunately, rookie CB Senquez Golson is not so lucky as there is a rumor that he may be required to have season-ending surgery on his injured shoulder. Keep it here with Mrs. Black-N-Gold for updates. Another roster/injury move was made as the Steelers put DT Clifton Geathers on the reserve/injured list.
Of course the big Steelers news of the week was the induction of RB Jerome Bettis into the Pro Football of Fame. Many Terrible Towel-waving fans were in attendance as well as fellow Steelers Hall of Famers and former teammates of the Bus. As usual, they had to save the best for last, otherwise most of the Black-N-Gold crowd would have emptied the place. Congrats to Bus!
Unfortunately, the good times ended with the Bus Stop in Canton as our Steelers lost their preseason opener to the Vikes in an unimpressive 14-3 game. The good news is that most of the starters didn't play so the best is yet to come. There is bad news as K Shaun Suisham suffered what may be a significant injury. Mrs. Black-N-Gold will keep you updated as news progresses. In the meantime, dust yourselves off and put this hiccup behind you. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!
PENGUINS
Our Penguins made some questionable moves both on the ice and off this week. First of all they relieved longtime pre and post game host Bob Grove of his duties. This will be the first time since 1998 that Bob is not handling radio work for the Pens. Word is he was told of his dismissal via telephone. Mrs. Black-N-Gold doesn't know if this is true but if it is it's a classless move by a normally classy organization.
Speaking of head-scratching moves, the Pens also made a roster move this week, signing 38-year-old C Matt Cullen to a 1 year deal. How can a team that is screaming for a younger makeover justify signing an aging center? We'll have to see how this move pans out.
Although the Pens were a disappointment this week, Mrs. Black-N-Gold will continue to support our favorite Black-N-Gold hockey team as they look to secure another Stanley Cup this season. Let's Go Pens!!!
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