THE BULLPEN

     Seems I've been living in the temple of the dog! Our Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their 2 game set in Seattle tonight against the Mariners. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)As the Pirates schedule ends for the month of June, the team continues to struggle to find the win column following last night's 5-2 loss to the Mariners. Tonight they try to make like a banana and split the series. They'll send rookie RH Jameson Taillon, 1-1, 4.50 ERA, to the mound. He'll face Seattle LH Wade Miley, 6-3, 5.28 ERA. Last night, the Bucs let the Mariners jump out to a 5-0 lead. Score early, score often, score BIG; Hit, Run, & Score! 2)Yes, the offense only put 2 runs on the board last night but, as has become the custom, they had to fight their way out of an early hole. Ever since pitching guru Jim Benedict left for FLA, the pitching staff has been a shambles. Mrs. Black-N-Gold can't make this clear enough. You got to know when to hold 'em! 3)Thankfully, June is almost over. Hopefully the June swoon is almost over, too. Gimme a W! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS

     What's the news across Black-N-Gold Nation? Mrs. Black-N-Gold has the information with the latest happenings from our Pirates, Penguins and Steelers. Yes, boys and girls, it's time for another edition of the internet sensation that's sweeping the Nation, The Black-N-Gold News.

                                              THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS

PIRATES

Someone please turn the calendar to July so our Pirates can get the funk out of this June swoon. There was much roster shuffling and many losses for the week. 

RH Juan Nicasio was reinstated from the restricted list. INF Adam Frazier got the call from Triple A Indy. C Jacob Stallings was sent back to Indy. Both INF Cole Figueroa and RH Jorge Rondon were designated for assignment. 

The Pirates did manage a win to start their series with the Los Angeles Dodgers 8-6. The victory marked the 1000th career win for Manager Clint Hurdle. Congrats, Clint! Another milestone was reached when Frazier recorded his 1st MLB hit. Congrats, rook! 

The Pirates won 2 in a row when they picked up a 6-1 win on Saturday night. 

Even more roster moves occurred on Sunday. LH Cory Luebke refused his assignment to Indy and was give his unconditional release. RH Chad Kuhl was called up from Indy to start the Sunday night matchup on ESPN against LH Clayton Kershaw and the Dodgers. LH Kyle Lobstein was sent back down to Indy. RH Curtis Partch was DFA'd. 

More history was made Sunday. Kuhl notched his 1st MLB W in a 4-3 win. Frazier picked up his 1st MLB RBI. Congrats to the rookies!

The Bucs went for the 4-game sweep on Monday but fell short. After staking LH Francisco Liriano to an early 4-0 lead, Frankie and RH Jared Hughes could not hold on. The Buccos lost 5-4. 

The Dodgers decided to take Figueroa back to LA with them. They claimed the infielder off waivers. 

Some Pirates prospects made headlines this week. Indy RH Dovydas Neverauskas and OF Austin Meadows were named to the Futures All-Star Games. Congrats, Dovydas & Austin!

Maybe the Bucs could use them both. They were back to their losing ways in a 5-2 loss at Seattle. That's not a good way to start a 9-game road trip. 

Prior to last night's game, more minor leaguers received honors. Indy RH Tyler Glasnow and 1B Josh Bell will compete in this year's Triple A All-Star game. Congrats to Tyler and Josh!

The Pirates managed a split with their 2-game series in Seattle. They manhandled the Mariners last night 8-1. They'll now continue down the west coast for a 3-game set with Oakland starting tomorrow night. They've climbed back to just 3 games under .500 at 38-41. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

STEELERS

Just a few roster moves were made by our Steelers this week. K Shaun Suisham, who spent all of last season on IR with a torn ACL, was released after failing a physical. That means K Chris Boswell who replaced Josh Scobee who replaced Garrett Hartley who replaced Suisham last year, will be the Steelers kicker for 2016-17. Barring injury, of course. Perhaps Coach Tomlin still wants to get another kicker in for training camp to prevent a breakdown of Boswell. 

With a spot open on the roster, the Steelers signed former Penn State RB Brandon Johnson. 

Less than a month till Latrobe. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!

PENS

It may be the offseason for our Pens but they were quite busy this week. This is the way the draft panned out for the Pens. 

Round 2 #55 overall-G Filip Gustavsson

Round 2 #61 overall-F Kasper Bjorkqvist

Round 3 #77 overall-D Conor Hall

Round 4 #121 overall-D Ryan Jones

Round 5 #151 overall-D Niclas Almari

Round 6 #181 overall-D Joseph Masonius

You may have noticed that the Pens had an extra pick in the draft. You are correct. During the draft the Pens traded oft-injured F Beau Bennett to New Jersey. Former Pens GM Ray Shero, the man who drafted Beau, traded the pick that brought us Hall with the Pens to send Bennett to Jersey. 

The Pens also completed a deal this week with D Tim Erixon. They signed him to a 1-year, 2-way deal. C Matt Cullen announced that he will return for his 20th NHL season. He is an unrestricted free agent. GM Jim Rutherford has expressed an interest in retaining Cullen but the Pens are just about $1 million under the salary cap. Free agency begins tomorrow and it remains to be seen if the Pens can swing a deal. Mrs. Black-N-Gold will break the ice if/when the story breaks. 

Meanwhile, players that have yet to begin their NHL careers conveyed on the Lemieux Sports Complex yesterday. The Pens are holding their annual development camp for potential pros. How knows? Maybe some of them have what it takes to become Baby Pens. Or even full-grown Pens. Even Mario's 20-year-old son Austin was in attendance. Let's Go Pens!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Here we are now, entertain us! Our Pittsburgh Pirates take their show on the road tonight when they begin a 2-game series in Seattle versus the Mariners. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)The Pirates will look to get back in the win column tonight following yesterday's 5-4 loss to LA. After staking LH Francisco Liriano to an early 4-0 lead, the southpaw let it slip away for another loss. Mrs. Black-N-Gold has said it before and she'll say it again. With this pitching staff, there's always room for more Hit, Run & Score! 2)The Bucs send LH Jon Niese, 6-5, 4.93 ERA, to the bump. Seattle starts RH Hisashi Iwakuma, 6-6, 4.45 ERA. Niese is another starter that could be on the hot seat. He's 0-3 in his last 3 starts.  A win for Niese would be nice! 3)The Pirates aren't the only team that has swooned in June. The Mariners are 8-17 on the month. Gimme a W! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Let's  play two! Our Pittsburgh Pirates close out their homestand today with a matinee at PNC Park against the Los Angeles Dodgers. These are your keys for today's game. 1)The Pirates have won 3 straight. Give us win #4 with some Hit, Run, & Score! 2)A win today would complete a 4-game sweep of the Dodgers. Break out the brooms and clean house! 3)LH Scott Kazmir, 5-3, 4.52 ERA goes for the Dodgers. The Bucs counter with LH Francisco Liriano, 4-7, 5.17 ERA. With the way his season has gone south, Liriano may be pitching for his spot in the rotation. Be filthy, Frankie! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     I don't care if I ever get back! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series on Sunday Night Baseball as they battle the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight at PNC Park. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Break up the Bucs! The Pirates have won 2 in a row. If it's 3, it's for me! 2)During the 2-game winning streak, the Buccos have score 14 runs. There's always room for more Hit, Run, & Score! 3)The Pirates are supposed to start rookie RH Chad Kuhl tonight against Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw. Say sayonara to Cy Young. A win for Chad would be Kool! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     The crack of the bat, the thrill of the hit! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series against the Los Angeles Dodgers tonight at PNC Park. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Break out the long-dormant Jolly Roger. The Pirates downed the Dodgers in game 1 last night 8-6. Congrats to Manager Clint Hurdle for his 1000th career victory. Congrats also to rookie INF Adam Frazier. In his 1st at bat, the recent call-up recorded his 1st big league hit, a single. Tonight the Bucs go for 2 in a row. Gimme a W! 2)The Buccos bullpen almost let another one slip away. You got to know when to hold 'em! 3)And please always remember and don't ever forget: There's always room for more Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS

     Have you heard the news? It's all over town. Actually, it's all over Black-N-Gold Nation as Mrs. Black-N-Gold brings you the latest edition of that internet sensation: The Black-N-Gold News. Spanning the globe to bring you the up-to-the-minute info on our favorite Black-N-Gold Teams, the Pirates, Steelers and Pens.


                                             THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS

PIRATES

Raise the white flag, instead of the Jolly Roger! Our Pirates have had a rough week. Actually, it's been a rough month for our favorite Black-N-Gold Baseball Team. But since Mrs. Black-N-Gold does this about every week or so, she'll just give you the rundown on the past week's happenings. 

The week started with RH Gerrit Cole landing on the 15-day DL with a triceps injury. RH Jameson Taillon was re-called from Triple A Indy to start last Tuesday's game against the Mets in New York. Taillon did not disappoint. He blanked the Mets 4-0 to pick up his 1st MLB victory. Congrats to Jamo!

The next day, the Bucs inked their 1st round draft pick, 3B Will Craig from Wake Forest, to a deal. Things seemed to be going well for the Pirates. From there is all went down hill.

They were mauled by the Mets, 11-2. LF Starling Marte was injured in the game when he took a fly ball to the face. Marte missed the next few games due to swelling. To add insult to injury, the Buccos dropped the next game 6-4 to lose the series.

The Pirates went from dropping 2 of 3 to the defending NL Champs to visiting the NL Central leading Cubs for a 3-game series. Kind of like going from the frying pan, into the fryer, isn't it? The Bucs promptly dropped the opener in 6-0 fashion.

Some Pirates prospects received good news when they were promoted within the minor league systems. Congrats to OF Austin Meadows for his promotion from Double A Altoona to Triple A Indy. Congrats also so SS Kevin Newman who was promoted to Double A Altoona. Hope to see you both at PNC Park soon!

The Pirates also signed another draft pick, 2nd rounder RH Travis MacGregor. Too bad none of the aforementioned players aren't ready now. The Bucs sure could use them. There was much roster shuffling this week, as well.

RH Juan Nicasio was placed on the restricted list due to "family matters". LH Cory Luebke was designated for assignment. The contract of RH Jorge Rondon was purchased from Triple A Indy. INF Jason Rogers and RH Curtis Partch were called up from Indy. RH Rob Scahill was sent back down to Triple A.

None of the moves helped. The Pirates still lost Saturday's contest at Chicago 4-3. The Buccos tried some more roster changes prior to Sunday night's series finale. They called up C Jacob Stallings from Indy and sent Rogers back down. It didn't help. The Pirates were pounded by the Cubs 10-5 and swept out of Chicago.

The Buccos returned home on Monday to begin a 4-game series with the San Fran Giants who were riding an 8-game winning streak. Meanwhile, the Pirates tried to put the brakes on their 5-game skid. The planets aligned on Monday night when LH Jeff Locke outdueled LH Madison Bumgarner. Newly re-acquired C Erik Kratz proved to the difference-maker with his first home run since August of 2014. It barely cleared the wall but still showed on the scoreboard. The Bucs broke the streak with a 1-0 win.

To make it 2 in a row, the Bucs re-called RH Wilfredo Boscan from Indy to make his first MLB start. It did not go that way. Was Monday's win a fluke? Boscan took the loss in Tuesday's game, a 15-4 assault by the Giants. The game was so brutal for the Buccos that LF Starling Marte left with foot discomfort. Hopefully it's not a long-term injury.

To help with their already depleted pitching staff, the Pirates sent Boscan back to Indy and called up the well-traveled LH Kyle Lobstein prior to Wednesday night's game. Again these moves didn't help. The Pirates powered their way to a 6-1 lead only to see the bullpen blow another one. On "Legends of Wrestling Night", the Buccos were body-slammed by San Fran 7-6.

You may want to keep that Jolly Roger lowered. The sinking Pirates ship dropped another one yesterday 5-3. That is the 4th straight series that they've lost.

They now have an opportunity to right the ship with a 4-game series this weekend at PNC Park versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. There's no time like the present to start a WINNING streak. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

STEELERS

Our Steelers haven't made much noise in the news lately. Typically, that's a good thing. They did complete their mini-camp this past week. No major injuries were reported.

There has been an unsubstantiated report that RB Le'Veon Bell is in violation of the league's substance abuse policy again. Either LB missed and/or failed a mandatory drug test(s). The Beast has denied these claims. If further information surfaces regarding the allegation, Mrs. Black-N-Gold will let you know.

Meanwhile, the countdown to training camp begins. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!

PENGUINS

Well, the confetti has been swept away as the Stanley Cup begins making its way around the world with our World Champion Penguins. Now the undertaking of the offseason is at hand.

The Pens announced they won't tender an offer to restricted free agent D Justin Schultz. Schultzy now becomes an unrestricted free agent. The Pens may still try to bring him back, if the price is right. They did say they will tender an offer to their other restricted free agent, F Beau Bennett. That's a head-scratcher. Bennett has shown some potential but has never shown the ability to stay healthy. We'll see where that one goes.

Speaking of injury, it was announced that F Daniel Sprong underwent shoulder surgery. He is expected to be out 7-8 months. Get well soon, Sprongy! The Pens signed F Kevin Porter, himself coming off a mid-March ankle injury, to a 1-year, 2-way contract.

The NHL released the pre-season and regular season schedules. Our favorite Black-N-Gold Hockey Team defends their championship beginning Thursday, October 13 with a home date against the President's Trophy-winning Washington Capitals. You can keep your President's Trophy. We want to the Cup!

The Pens took home some more hardware when the NHL Awards were handed out in Las Vegas on Wednesday night. Congrats to GM Jim Rutherford, winner of the General Manager of the Year Award!

GMJR may have been the only one to win an award on Wednesday but some other Pens received accolades this week. C Sidney Crosby was voted an NHL 1st Team All-Star. D Kris Letang was named to the 2nd team. Congrats to Sid and Tanger!

There was an injury update on C Evgeni Malkin's balky elbow. Earlier in the month, it was speculated that Geno would require Tommy John surgery on the injured week that forced him to miss the final month of the season. It was announced that the Russian Bear will not need the surgery and is not expected to miss any time.

The NHL draft is this weekend coming on the heals of the announcement that Las Vegas will add a team for the 2017-2018 season. Looks like the Pens have some work to do to repeat a Stanley Cup championship. Let's Go Pens!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     It's supposed to be hard, it's the hard that makes it great! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue their homestand tonight when they begin a 4-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park. Another game, another loss for the Buccos. They dropped yesterday's finale to San Fran 4-3. That's the 4th straight series they've lost. When they lost on Wednesday night 7-6, it was the first time since June 4 that the Bucs scored 4 or more runs. This team is running itself straight into the ground. Mrs. Black-N-Gold can't stress enough that they can't depend on the pitching. Therefore, she's going to break down her keys for today's game nice and easy for ya. 1)Hit! 2)Run! 3)Score! See how easy that was? If it were easy, everyone would do it. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Hit the ball and touch 'em all! Our Pittsburgh Pirates close out their series with the San Fran Giants this afternoon at PNC Park. These are your keys for today's game. 1)The saying goes that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. That is the best way to sum up what is turning into a woeful Pirates season. Maybe Mrs. Black-N-Gold is the one that is crazy for thinking that this team may actually break out of this funk and find the win column. The Bucs keep lugging the same arms out of the bullpen and they get the same results. The latest victim was RH Jared Hughes who has not looked like his ground ball inducing-self at all this year. The Buccos powered their way to a 6-1 lead last night only to see starting LH Francisco Liriano start to give it away. Hughes came in with the Pirates up 6-4 only to depart with them down 7-6. It was a blow from which they still haven't recovered. The Bucs will try to salvage a split with San Fran in today's finale. The Pirates better get a fresh perspective and some fresh arms soon or this June swoon will continue into the rest of the summer. Right the ship real quick! 2)The poor offense, they finally get a lead just to see it slip away and ultimately handed over to San Fran. It's not like they didn't have more opportunities. They just failed to capitalize on them. With this club, they need to score every chance they get. More, more, more Hit, Run, & Score! 3)Say the planets do align like they did way back on Monday night. The pitching was good and there was just enough hitting for the win. Then Pirates fans have to hope that they don't get "Hurdled" into the loss column. Yes, win it rains, it pours, even on the manager. He doesn't have many options to push the right buttons these days but Clint has got to make the right moves to put this team in the win column. Use your head, that's the lump 3 feet above your ass! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Root, root, root for the home team! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series tonight against the San Fran Giants at PNC Park. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Did Mrs. Black-N-Gold say "root for the home team"? Our favorite Black-N-Gold Baseball Team makes it very difficult to root for them when they continuously take one step forward, two steps back. Last night was not exception, a 15-4 drubbing at the hands of San Fran. How bad was it? C Erik Kratz was pressed into mop-up duty in the 9th. Don't laugh. He held the Giants scoreless for the first time since the 3rd inning. With the pitching in the sorry state that it's in, maybe the Bucs want to consider moving Kratz to the bullpen. Can anyone on this team pitch consistently well? Take out an ad: Wanted pitchers, apply PNC Park. Mrs. Black-N-Gold thinks that GM Neal Huntington's comments made in the offseason, something to the effect that pitchers should pay the Pirates to come here, is coming back to bite the GM in the behind. This team is 23rd in MLB with a 4.53 ERA. You can take your metrics and try to crunch the numbers in the Bucs favor all you want but the bottom line is this pitching staff, both starters and relievers, is BAD. You got to know when to hold 'em! 2)It's tough for a team when they almost always have to play catch-up but that's what the offense has to do. Unfortunately, this team goes as CF Andrew McCutchen goes. He's ready for a break out, you say? It's hard to do that when you don't make contact. 0 for 3 with 3 strikeouts does not a break out make. If they continue to wait for Cutch to get in gear, they may be stuck in neutral for a long time. Last night they scored 4 runs. That's not good enough. We need more Hit, Run, & Score! 3)Losing 6 of 7 and 11 of 13 is a good way to sink this ship. Gimme a W! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     I have seen enough to know I have seen too much! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series tonight against the San Fran Giants at PNC Park. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Mrs. Black-N-Gold had to do some searching last night. She had to find the long-dormant Jolly Roger and raise it with the Pirates 1-0 shutout in the series opener. One run may have got the job done last night. But there's always room for more Hit, Run & Score! 2)Last night's victory was a perfect way to start the homestand after an arduous road trip. There's no place like home! 3)The Buccos have now won 5 games in the month of June. Get your kicks with win #6! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     There's no crying in baseball! Our Pittsburgh Pirates return home tonight to the friendly confines of PNC Park to open a 4-game series against the San Fran Giants. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)There's good news from last night's latest L! After scoring just 3 runs in the first 2 games of the series with the Cubs, the Bucs put 5 on the board. The bad news is they allowed the Cubs to plate 10 runs. Pitching continues to be a problem with this club. Surrendering 5 home runs and allowing your opponent to go 4 for 9 with runner in scoring position is not going to win you ballgames. Tonight they look to LH Jeff Locke, 5-5, 5.92 ERA, to stop the bleeding. Locke up a win! 2)Meanwhile, our Buccos were 4 for 15 with runners in scoring position last evening. You can't leave Bucs on the pond. Bring 'em on home! 3)San Fran starts LH Madison Bumgarner, 8-2, 1.91 ERA. You may remember MadBum. He's a 3-time World Champion, a 3-time All-Star, and another pitcher who ended the Pirates playoff hopes in a Wild Card game. Hit him early, hit him often, hit him HARD with some Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Rounding 3rd and heading for home! Our Pittsburgh Pirates, thankfully, close out their road trip with another one under the lights tonight against the Chicago Cubs. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)And the losses just keep on coming following last night's latest, 4-3. What the L? Gimme a W! 2)With last night's defeat, the Bucs are 4-13 this month. If you continue with the June swoon, Milwaukee will catch you soon! 3)At least the Buccos are consistent....consistently bad, that is. This game is fairly simple but Mrs. Black-N-Gold will try to dumb it down for you. Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Hey batter, batter, batter, batter! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series tonight in the Windy City when they clash with the Chicago Cubs. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Another game, another Pirates loss, 6-0 yesterday. Bad news, Black-N-Gold Nation, the Buccos can no longer hang their hat on the fact that they were the only team in MLB to not be shutout. What are the Pirates selling us now? It's certainly not Kool-Aid because that is tasting like toilet water, these days. If Mrs. Black-N-Gold is sounding a little pissy, it's because the Bucs are playing like crap. Lower the Jolly Roger to half-mast 'cause these Pirates are dead in the water. All hands on deck and right the ship! 2)You pay chicken feed for your pitching staff, you get chicken crap. You got to know when to hold 'em! 3)This team needs to score runs. ALOT of runs. Score early, score often, score BIG Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Baby, don't you want to go! Our Pittsburgh Pirates go into the belly of the beast today when they open a 3-game set in Chicago and clash with the Cubs. These are your keys for today's game. 1)Well, another game, another loss for the Bucs. They tried to fight back from a 6-0 deficit but fell short to the Mets last night 6-4. It's tough for a team when their pitching keeps putting them in a hole right off the bat. That being said: You gotta do more Hit, Run, & Score! 2)And how about that pitiful pitching? Is there no one on that staff, except for rookie RH Jameson Taillon, that is man enough to stop the bleeding? Enough is enough. Gimme a W! 3)It won't be easy, that's for sure. The Pirates are 3-7 in their last 10 and now face the juggernaut that is the Chicago Cubs. Yep, they're certainly Scrubs, no more. The Pirates start LH Francisco Liriano, 4-6, 4.92 ERA. He'll face Cubs RH Jake Arrieta, 10-1, 1.86 ERA. You may remember Arrieta. He won the NL Cy Young last season and has manhandled the Bucs in the Wild Card game and every other game in which he's faced the Black-N-Gold. The Pirates have just 1 win, 1 WIN, against the Cubs this season. No time like the present to change course. Right the ship and raise the Jolly Roger! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     I want to wake up in the city that never sleeps! Our Pittsburgh Pirates close out their series in New York tonight against the Mets. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)One step forward, two steps back for these Buccos. Just when it looked like RH Jameson Taillon helped right the Pirates ship on Tuesday night, LH Jeff Locke goes out and sinks it, leading the Buccos to another devastating loss last night, 11-2. Mrs. Black-N-Gold guesses that the only silver lining in this latest loss is that the Pirates refuse to be shut out. You know what they need to do? Refuse to lose! 2)The injury bug may have bitten the Bucs again. LF Starling Marte left the game after getting hit in the face with a ball on a hit to left. Next man up! 3)RH Juan Nicasio, 5-5, 5.34 ERA, returns to the rotation after a woeful stint in the bullpen last Friday. He'll face the ageless wonder, RH Bartolo Colon, 5-3, 3.08 ERA. This one has disaster written all over it. Bart throws junk, and rather successfully. The Pirates do not fare well against pitchers that rely on off-speed stuff, they feast more on fastballs. How fast could Bart's fastball be? 70 or 80 mph? Somehow, someway, the Pirates have got to find a way to make some Meatloaf in the Big Apple. 2 outta 3 ain't bad with a side of Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     I'm in a New York state of mind! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series in New York tonight when they matchup with the Mets. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Congrats to RH Jameson Taillon for his 1st MLB W in last night's 4-0 win. Tonight LH Jeff Locke, 5-4, 5.38 ERA, looks to make it 2 in a row as he tries to bounce back from the battering he took last week in Colorado. Locke and load! 2)Locke will face RH Noah Syndergaard, 6-2, 2.00 ERA. We learned last week that Snydergaard is slow to the plate. That is a weakness the Pirates should try to exploit. Run wild! 3)With this Mets pitching staff, runs are at a minimum. You gotta bring more Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

SLAP SHOTS

     To quote that great American poet, Mike Lange, "Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, pass me the brandy". What a wild ride it's been this season for our Pittsburgh Penguins but it has been well worth the wait, 7 years in fact. There is nothing more satisfying for Black-N-Gold Nation than to see our favorite Black-N-Gold Hockey Team pour all their blood, sweat and tears into a season and see them hoist the Stanley Cup. Mrs. Black-N-Gold takes a look back at the Pens 2015-16 season. Pittsburgh celebrates the Champions today with a parade. Mrs. Black-N-Gold celebrates by remembering the season. It won't be all good and it won't be in chronological order. It will simply be a look back.

Remember when the Pens were unwatchable in the early start of the season? It was like watching ice melt and was oh so, painful to watch. Many of us were calling for Mike Johnston's job from the get go.

Remember how G Marc-Andre Fleury was the eary favorite for team MVP? Flower kept us afloat while the rest of the team floundered. Yes, MAF, we do remember and we appreciate all that you did. If you hadn't kept us alive early in the season, the season may have been lost.

Remember how D Kris Letang and C Sidney Crosby looked like their careers were done? Many gave Tanger and Sid up for dead. They weren't looking good and neither were the Pens.

Remember that embarrassing loss to the Devils? Remember how C Evgeni Malkin called out the team and took them on his back for a few weeks? Wasn't that cool?

Remember the offseason trades GM Jim Rutherford made? He traded for Fs Phil Kessel and Nick Bonino. They weren't impressive early, but boy did they come on at the end.

Remember how many of us thought GMJM was out of touch and too old for his GM gig? Many suggested that he wasn't the man for the job.

Remember when Rutherford finally cut ties with Johnston and put Mike Sullivan behind the bench? When Sully started out 0-4 we figured the more things change, the more they stayed the same.

Remember when F Pascal Dupuis was forced to hang up his skates due to the blood clot issue? It was a sad day for the Pens organization and all of Black-N-Gold Nation.

But then, something started to happen. Change was in the air....

Remember that New Year's Eve game in Detroit? The Pens were down like 3-0 and came storming back to win it.

Remember when Tanger and Sid started playing like they should? Tanger should have been a finalist for the Norris Trophy. Sid was now part of the MVP conversation.

Remember when Philly came to town and had us down 2-0? The Pens were becoming a resilient group. That was not a word that was heard during the Johnston era.

Remember the health issues that D Olli Maatta and Tanger had to overcome the past few seasons and how hard they fought to get back?

Remember when previous regimes always seemed hesitant to bring up younger players and give them a shot to play with the big boys? Suddenly, D Brian Dumolin, Fs Conor Sheary and Bryan Rust and G Matt Murray, to name a few, were making names for themselves.

Remember how Mrs. Black-N-Gold was down on Rutherford when he traded for D Ben Lovejoy last year? The Reverend enjoyed a resurgence this season.

Remember when Rutherford pulled off the steal of the century and traded D Rob Scuderi to the Blackhawks for D Trevor Daley? How about the deal that sent F David Perron to Anaheim for D Carl Hagelin? Speed kills. And don't forget that Rutherford rescued D Justin Schultz from hockey hell (Edmonton) and showed he can play hockey.

Remember when Geno went down in Columbus and Sully put Hags, Bones and Kessel together?

Remember when the Flower went down vs Nashville and the rookie, Murray went on a big run?

Remember when the Pens were on the outside looking in and were in danger of missing the playoffs?

Remember the game in Brooklyn on a Saturday afternoon in early April? I think Murray pitched a shutout, didn't he?

Remember the game in DC in early April? The one were Sid scored the game-winner in OT?

Remember when Murray was injured in Philly in the last game of the season?

Remember when 3rd string G Jeff Zatkoff started Game 1 against the Rangers and won his first-ever playoff start?

Remember when Murray did the exact same thing versus the Rangers when he returned from injury?

Remember how the Pens exorcised the ghosts of playoffs-past and knocked out the Rangers?

Remember when the Pens beat the President's Trophy-winning Capitals?

Remember when the Pens punched their ticket to the Finals with a Game 7 win over Tampa Bay to win the Eastern Conference?

Remember when we thought we'd win Game 5 at home against San Jose for the Pens 1st Stanley Cup winner in front of the home crowd?

Remember the Pens shellacking the Sharks 3-1 in Game 6 to win it in San Jose?

Remember Sid hoisting the Cup and accepting the Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP?

Of course, you do. You remember every last moment of it. It was an unforgettable season.

Thank you, Pittsburgh Penguins and congratulations on a stuPENSdous season.

Let's Go Pens!!!!

   

   

THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS

     What's the news across Black-N-Gold Nation? Mrs. Black-N-Gold has the information. She has everything you need to know and more about our favorite Black-N-Gold Teams, the Pens, the Pirates and the Steelers. So here for you is The Black-N-Gold News.


                                    THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS

PENGUINS

Our Pens were in the midst of their Stanley Cup Final with the San Jose Sharks, leading the Team in Teal 3 games to 1. A win last Thursday night would give the Pens their 4th Stanley Cup and their first championship victory in front of the home crowd. Anticipation was in their air from Ambridge to Zelienople. Alas, the champagne would have to remain on ice along with the Pens. The Sharks defeated the home team 4-2. 

Game 6 took the Pens all the way back to San Jose. They were able to seal the deal on Sunday night with a 3-1 shellacking of the Sharks. The Pens won Lord Stanley's Cup for a 4th time. Captain Sidney Crosby led the charge and was honored with his 1st Conn Smythe Trophy for playoff MVP. 

It was a hell of a run from day 1. Congrats to our Pens. There will be more time to celebrate with the champs tomorrow. The parade is scheduled to get under way at 11:30 am so get there early and help the Pens raise the Cup. Let's Go Pens!!!!


PIRATES

Not all of our favorite Black-N-Gold teams had a good week. Our Pirates have hit rough waters, of late. Their recent string of 31 straight games began to take its toll. Roster moves had to be made to augment the work load. 

RH Curtis Partch was optioned to Triple A Indy. 2010 1st round pick, RH Jameson Taillon, was called up from Indy for a spot start. The rookie got a no-decision in the Pirates 6-5 loss in 10 to the Mets. 

The following day, Taillon was sent back to Indy. LH Kyle Lobstein was called up. It didn't help matters. The Pirates lost their makeup date in Colorado by a score of 11-5. 

The 2016 Amateur Draft began last week. The Pirates selected 3B Will Craig with the 22nd pick out of Wake Forest. With the 41st pick, they drafted LH Nick Lodolo out of Damien High School. They took RH Travis MacGregor from East Lake High School with their 2nd pick, #68 overall. In the 3rd round, the Buccos chose SS Stephen Alemais of Tulane, #105 overall. 

The losing, however continued. They lost to the St Louie Cardinals Friday night in 12 innings. They also lost C Francisco Cervelli (hand) and RH Gerrit Cole (triceps) to injury. Cervelli underwent surgery for a broken hamate bone on his left hand and is on the 15 day DL. He's expected to miss 4-6 weeks. The Pirates acquired former C Erik Kratz from the Angels for cash considerations To make room, they DFA'd RH Trey Haley. They also sent INF Cole Figueroa to Indy and called up RH Rob Scahill. RH Arquimedes Carminero was also reinstated from his rehab assignment. 

The Pirates still went out and lost again to St Louie 5-1. The Bucs completed the sweep and lost their 5th in a row on Sunday when St Louie stomped them 8-3. 

Yesterday was a well-needed off-day. Hopefully the ship gets turned around tonight when they begin a 3-game series with the Mets at Citi Field in New York. They're currently 2.5 games behind the Mets for the 2nd wild card spot. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

STEELERS

Our Steelers signed 1st round pick, CB Artie Burns of Miami, to a contract. They also concluded OTAs The next step in the offseason process will be mini camp. They still had 1 draft pick that remained unsigned. On Friday they reached a deal with 3rd round pick, DL Javon Hargrave of South Carolina State. All the picks are now signed, sealed and delivered. Time to get to work. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     If I can make it there, I'll make it anywhere! Our Pittsburgh Pirates take their show on the road when they open a 3-game series tonight in New York against the Mets. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)The Pirates ship is sinking like a stone. Losers of 5 straight, the Bucs find themselves on the outside of the playoffs, looking in. They are currently 2.5 games behind these Mets for the 2nd wild card spot. Right the ship. Find the win column! 2)During their 5-game losing streak, the Pirates have been outscored 37-17. You gotta do more Hit, Run, & Score! 3)No doubt about it, our favorite Black-N-Gold Baseball Team has hit a rough patch. That's about the only thing they've hit lately. The pitching has been no better and with RH Gerrit Cole expected to miss his next turn in the rotation, the pitching staff is spinning out of control. Hopefully yesterday's day off gave our guys a chance to re-group. Come on Buccos, there's no need to sucko! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

SLAP SHOTS

     Happy Pucks & Bucs Day! You know it don't come easy; it's a great day for playoff hockey! Our Pittsburgh Penguins take their show on the road to San Jose tonight for Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)G Matt Murray looks to bounce back following Thursday's 4-2 Game 5 loss. The Monster has rebounded nicely following a loss in these playoffs, going 5-0 after a defeat. Get your kicks with win #6! 2)We're seeing our stars shine a little bit in the Finals but it's still not enough. You're paid big to play big! 3)The Sharks came out attacking in Game 5, putting the first 2 goals on the net in the opening minutes of the game. That is a plan the Pens need to follow. Don't let the momentum shift to San Jose. Take the Sharks and the crowd out of it early and deflate the Shark Tank. Score early, score often, score BIG Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Happy Bucs & Pucks Day! How sweet it is! Our Pittsburgh Pirates close out their homestand with an evening showdown with the St Louie Cardinals tonight at PNC Park. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)There is some good news following last night's latest defeat, 5-1 at the hands of St Louie. The Pirates have still not been shut out this season. All hands on deck, we need a win! 2)The Pirates have lost 4 straight. #5 would not be great! 3)St Louie starts RH Mike Leake, 4-4, 4.22 ERA. The Pirates counter with LH Jon Niese, 6-2, 3.93 ERA. Lifetime, Leake is about a .500 pitcher but the Pirates have always managed to make him look like the second-coming of Cy Young. A win for Niese would be nice. A win for anyone wearing Black-N-Gold would be nice. Gimme a W! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Hey, batter, batter, batter, batter! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series tonight with their NL Central rivals the St Louie Cardinals at PNC Park. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Give the Pirates credit. They're creative, if nothing else. They continue to find new ways to lose ballgames. Last night, they gave another one away in a 12-inning, 9-3 loss in this series opener. They are now in 3rd place in the NL Central and sinking like a stone. Teams of the past few years found a way to win. This team finds a way to lose. Where does Mrs. Black-N-Gold begin? She can start with the fact that they were just 2 for 10 with runners in scoring position. St Louie may not be having their best year but they are a team that will always take advantage of opportunities. The Pirates, on the other hand, do not. You cannot leave Bucs on the pond! 2)Believe it or not, the Pirates had a lead in this game. Unfortunately, the bullpen was bull crap. Again! Hold 'em! 3)Considering how badly the pitching staff has performed this season, this last key cannot be repeated enough. You've got to, got to, got to give us more Hit, Run & Score! Right the ship, raise the Jolly Roger and get back in the win column! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Root, root, root for the home team! Our Pittsburgh Pirates return home to PNC Park tonight after an, ever-so-brief, road trip as they face the St Louie Cardinals. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Boy have the Pirates been bad lately, including yesterdays 11-5 routing at the hands of the Rockies. They're a measly 3-7 in their last 10. Stop SUCKN and get BUCN! 2)Luckily, they're 5-1 against St Louie this season. Deck the Cards! 3)St Louie starts RH Michael, 2-5, 5.16 ERA. The Pirates counter with RH Gerrit Cole, 5-4, 2.85 ERA. Wacha has gone from All-Star to ERA over 5. Fuel the Cole Train to victory with some Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

SLAP SHOTS

     Happy Pucks & Bucs Day! I'll meet you in the schoolyard, baby, for all the marbles; it's a great day for playoff hockey! Our Pittsburgh Penguins return home to the friendly confines of Consol Energy Center tonight for Game 5 of their Stanley Cup Final with the San Jose Sharks. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Need Mrs. Black-N-Gold remind you that the Pens are just 1 win away from hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup? A win tonight would be the 1st time one of our favorite Black-N-Gold teams has won a championship in front of a home crowd since Maz cleared the wall at Forbes Field back in 1960. Lord Stanley, Lord Stanley, pass me the brandy! 2)The Pens have scored the 1st goal in every game of this series. Score early, score often, score BIG Goals, Goals, Goals! 3)This team has been nothing short of stuPENSdous during this run to the Cup. Unfortunately, they sometimes go into a prevent defense during the latter parts of the game and let their opponents get back into it. Keep your foot on the gas and on their throat's. Get on Jones's case and in his face. WE WANT THE CUP! Let's Go Pens!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Happy Bucs & Pucks Day! Bases are loaded and Casey's at bat! Our Pittsburgh Pirates make up their postponed game with the Colorado Rockies this afternoon in the Mile High City. These are your keys for today's game. 1)When last we left our Buccos in Colorado, they had beaten the Rockies in 8 straight, including the first 3 of this series. Give us win #4 with some Hit, Run, & Score! 2)The Pirates could use a pick me up following last night's heart-breaking 6-5 loss to the Mets in 10. Once again the bullpen was BS. You got to know when to hold 'em! 3)The Bucs will start LH Jeff Locke, 5-3, 4.28 ERA. He'll face Rockies RH  Chad Bettis, 4-5, 5.58 ERA. Locke is 4-0 in his last 4 starts, posting a 2.76 ERA. Locke and load! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS

     Start spreading the news! Mrs. Black-N-Gold has carefully gone over her notes, she's checked and double-checked her facts and she's amassed all the latest information for Black-N-Gold Nation on our favorite Black-N-Gold teams, our Penguins, Pirates and Steelers. She brings you The Black-N-Gold News.


                                            THE BLACK-N-GOLD NEWS

PENGUINS

The Stanley Cup Finals got under way this week when our Penguins faced off against the San Jose Sharks in the lid-lifter on Memorial Day at Consol Energy Center. Oh what a start it was! The Pens took Game 1 by a 3-2 margin. The Pens took it to overtime in Game 2, clipping the Sharks 2-1. The game-winner was from rookie F Conor Sheary. 

On Saturday, the series switched to San Jose for Game 3. The momentum also switched when the Sharks came back to beat the Pens in OT 3-2. The Pens shrugged off that loss when they came back to win Monday night's game, 3-1, and take a 3 games to 1 lead in the series. 

The Pens now return to Consol Energy Center tomorrow night with a chance to win Lord Stanley's Cup on home ice. Let's Go Pens!!!

PIRATES

It has not been a good week for our Pirates. They lost their series to old coach Jeff Banister's team, the Texas Ranger, when they dropped the finale last Sunday, 6-2. 

Things looked sunny in Monday's 10-0 trouncing of Miami. LH Jeff Locke registered his first career complete game en route to the shutout. RF Gregory Polanco helped the cause with his first career grand slam. Things fell apart from there. The Buccos fell to the Fish and RH Jose Fernandez the next night. RH Gerrit Cole lost the pitcher's duel 3-1. The losses kept on coming. They dropped the next game 3-2. The losses weren't the only thing that were piling up for our Bucs. In the final game to the Marlins, a 4-3 loss, the Pirates lost 4 starters in the game. C Francisco Cervelli (foot), CF Andrew McCutchen (thumb), SS Jordy Mercer (elbow) and INF David Freese (hand) all departed the game with injuries. None are expected to be severe and no one is expected to spend time on the DL .

Speaking of the DL, RH Ryan Vogelsong underwent surgery for the facial fractures that he suffered a litte over a week ago. 

The shorthanded Pirates returned home but stayed in the loss column with Friday night's loss to the Los Angeles Angels 9-2. 

More roster moves were made on Saturday. The Pirates sent RHs Rob Scahill and Wilfredo Boscan back to Triple A Indy to allow them a break from the Bucs bullpen. LH Cory Luebke and RH  Curtis Partch were called up to take their places. To make room for Partch on the 40-man roster, the Pirates transfered Vogey from the 15-day DL to the 60-day DL. 

The Pirates bullpen almost lost another one on Saturday but were able to hold on to defeat the Angels, 8-7. But the bullpen was back to blowing it on Sunday in a 5-4 loss. The Pirates lost their 3rd series in a row and their 7th game in the past 9. 

Two Pirates minor leaguers were honored this week. Congrats to OF Danny Ortiz, International League Batter of the Week and OF Austin Meadows, Eastern League Player of the Week. Hope to see you both play at PNC Park soon.

Neil Walker's return to Pittsburgh was delayed a day when the Bucs opener in their 3-game set with the Mets was postponed on Monday night. They played 2 on Tuesday. The Buccos took the 1st game 3-1. In this game, LF Starling Marte left with an ankle injury. He did not play in the 2nd game.  They won the nightcap by the same score, 3-1.

Tonight, RH Jameson Taillon will make his MLB debut for the Pirates in the series finale against the Mets.  Welcome aboard, Jameson. Break out the brooms. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

STEELERS

Our Steelers had their second week of OTAs. No big news to report. No news is good news in this case (no holdouts, no major injuries, etc). 

Mrs. Black-N-Gold got wind that QB Ben Roethlisberger appeared with former Steelers WR Hines Ward & DL Brett Keisel on "The Bachelorette" last night. What is it with our Steelers and these reality shows. The only reality show Mrs. Black-N-Gold wants to see with the Steelers is The Super Bowl. 

If any real stories do develop from their South Side facility, you can be sure Mrs. Black-N-Gold will have it for you. Let's Go Steelers!!!!!!

penpen

THE BULLPEN

     The crack of the bat, the thrill of the hit! Our Pittsburgh Pirates close out their series with the New York Mets tonight at PNC Park. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)The Pirates look to do a little house cleaning as they go for the sweep. Break out the brooms! 2)With yesterday's doubleheader sweep, the Pirates have beaten the Mets in 9 straight. Do it again with win #10! 3)RH Jameson Taillon will make his MLB debut tonight against Mets RH Noah Syndegaard, 6-2, 1.91 ERA. Drop the hammer on Thor. Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Let's play two! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series with Neil Walker and the New York Mets with a doubleheader on the North Shore at PNC Park. These are your keys for today/tonight's games. 1)The good news about last night's rainout? Mrs. Black-N-Gold could devote all of her viewing time to the Pens game and the bullpen couldn't blow yet another lead. Rain, rain, go away, the Pirates have 2 to win today! 2)Fans will get to welcome back the Homeboy, 2B Neil Walker twice today. Best of luck to Neil so long as his business doesn't interfere with Buccos business! 3)At least this gave the Bucs walking-wounded a chance to heal. Now go out and give them what for. Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs X 2!

SLAP SHOTS

     Happy Pucks & Bucs Day! I'm going back to find some peace of mind in San Jose; it's a great day for playoff hockey! Our Pittsburgh Penguins lead the Stanley Cup Finals 2 games to 1 when they faceoff tonight for Game 4. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)The Pens look to get back in the win column and take control of this series following Saturday night's 3-2 overtime loss. They took an early 1-0 lead but weren't able to hang on. Break out some more Goals, Goals, Goals! 2)The power play continues to be powerless in this series, so far going 0 for 6. Take advantage of the man-advantage! 3)Although the Pens are up, the stars have been relatively silent in this series. True, they don't always need to show on the scoresheet in order to have a good game but isn't that why they make the big bucks? When are Sid and Geno going to breakout? Tanger needs to tighten up his D after Saturday's game. Get in the game, guys. Star light, star bright, let's see our stars shine tonight! Let's Go Pens!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Happy Bucs & Pucks Day! There's no crying in baseball! Our Pittsburgh Pirates open a 3-game series tonight when they welcome Neil Walker and the New York Mets to the friendly confines of PNC Park. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)With yesterday's heart-breaking 5-4 loss to the Angels, the Pirates have lost 3 straight series and 7 of their last 9 games. You don't win championships that way. Find the win column and raise the Jolly Roger! 2)During the 3-game series this weekend, the Buccos pitching staff surrendered 21 runs. This team used to hang its hat on its pitching but no longer. Now they'll square off against one of the best starting rotations in baseball. The Mets start LH Steven Matz, 7-1, 2.60 ERA. He'll face former teammate, LH Jon Niese, 5-2, 4.36 ERA. Niese came to the 'Burgh by way of the Walker trade. Let's hope the lefty uses facing his former team as extra motivation. A win for Niese would be nice! 3)How do you battle the Mets vaunted rotation? Score early, score often, score BIG with lots of Hit, Run, & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Buy me some peanuts and crackerjacks! Our Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their series with the Los Angeles Angels this afternoon. These are your keys for today's game. 1)The Pirates finally righted the ship, edging the Angels yesterday, 8-7. It's time to make some home-made Meatloaf. 2 outta 3 ain't bad! 2)In yesterday's barn-burner, the Bucs blasted 3 home runs, including the decisive 3 run cannonball from OF Matt Joyce, off the bench. Chicks dig the long ball! 3)LH Hector Santiago, 3-3, 4.96 ERA, starts for the Halos. The Pirates will counter with RH Gerrit Cole, 5-4, 2.72 ERA. Cole was a loser in his last start, a showdown with Miami's Jose Fernandez. Get the Cole Train on the winning track! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

SLAP SHOTS

     Happy Pucks & Bucs Day! Do you know the way to San Jose; it's a great day for playoff hockey! Our Pittsburgh Penguins take their show on the road to San Jose tonight for a showdown with the Sharks in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Finals. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)The Pens have won the first 2 games of this best of 4 series. If it's 3, it's for me! 2)The Pens defeated San Jose in their only trip to the Shark Tank during the regular season. It was the first time they won there since 1997. Let the Sharks sleep with the fishes! 3)It's extremely important to dictate play from the first drop of the puck. Play your game and keep the Sharks and the crowd out of it. Score early, score often score BIG Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Happy Bucs & Pucks Day! Root, root, root for the home team! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue their interleague series with the Los Angeles Angels today at PNC Park. These are your keys for today's game. 1)Alright, enough is enough. It's one think to lose a game to one of the best pitchers in MLB in Jose Fernandez. It's quite another to get annihilated by a ham-and-egger like Jered Weaver like the Pirates did in their latest loss last night, a 9-2 debacle that Mrs. Black-N-Gold witnessed live and in person. She was going to look on the bright side through Black-N-Gold-colored glasses this morning but is wholly unable to do so. The Kool-Aid is tasting rancid again in a half-empty glass. Four losses in a row will do that to you. It's time to stop SUCKN and start BUCN! 2)The pitching has been putrid for our Pirates. Mrs. Black-N-Gold is absolutely stunned any time there is the rare occasion that a Pirates pitcher retires the opposition in order. Yes, the Bucs are too cheap and won't call up reinforcements for another few weeks. We have to suck it up until then while the pitching staff just plain sucks. This ship is sinking fast. They'll be no Jolly Rogers raised until the bleeding stops Right the ship and Raise It! 3)Don't think the hitting has been any better. During this 4 game slide, the Pirates have failed to score more than 3 runs in any game. We need more Hit, Run & Score! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

    Take me out to the ballgame! That's right, Mrs. Black-N-Gold and Brother Black-N-Gold return to PNC Park tonight to see our Pittsburgh Pirates open a 3-game interleague series with the Los Angeles Angels of......These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)With last night's 4-3 loss in 12 innings, the Pirates dropped their 3rd in a row. The ship is sinking fast. Avoid loss #4. Hit, Run, & Score! 2)Losses aren't the only things that are mounting for the Buccos. Injuries are starting to pile up, too. 4 players left last night's game with apparent injuries, C Francisco Cervelli (foot), CF Andrew McCutchen (thumb), INF David Freese (hand) and SS Jordy Mercer (elbow). During the 3-game losing streak, RF Gregory Polanco was relegated to a cameo due to a foot injury suffered during the series. It's time for the next man to step up! 3)The Angels will start RH Jered Weaver, 4-4, 5.40 ERA. The Buccos go with LH Francisco Liriano, 4-4, 4.63 ERA. Frankie looks to improve upon a woeful last start. He surrendered 5 runs in 6 innings, including 2 home runs to lefties, in a 6-2 thumping at Texas. Be filthy, Frankie! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Rounding third and heading for home! Our Pittsburgh Pirates wrap up their series with the Miami Marlins tonight. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)Put out an APB for the Jolly Roger. The Pirates fell to the Fish again last night 3-2. Right the ship and Raise It! 2)3 runs in 2 games is not good enough. Gotta have more Hit, Run & Score! 3)The Bucs will face another lefty tonight when RH Juan Nicasio, 4-4, 4.79 ERA faces Miami southpaw Wei-Yin Chen, 3-2, 4.37 ERA. Time to break even and win it for Juan! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!

SLAP SHOTS

     Happy Pucks & Bucs Day! Great balls of fire it's a great day for playoff hockey! Our Pittsburgh Penguins faceoff against the San Jose Sharks in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals tonight at Consol Energy Center. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)In their 3-2 Game 1 win, the Pens out shot the Sharks 41-26. In 5 of their last 14 games, the Pens have recorded at least 40 shots on goal. Shot first and ask questions later! 2)In these playoffs, the Sharks are 3-0 in Game 2. Give 'em L! 3)The Pens jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in Game 1. The problem was, they lagged behind in the 2nd period and allowed the Sharks to come back and tie it. Keep your foot on the pedal and on their throat. Crank up the Goals, Goals, Goals! Let's Go Pens!!!

THE BULLPEN

     Happy Bucs & Pucks Day! Holly came from Miami, FLA! Our Pittsburgh Pirates continue their series against the Miami Marlins tonight. These are your keys for tonight's game. 1)With last night's 3-1 loss to Miami, the Pirates have dropped 3 of their last 4. That just won't do. Gimme a W! 2)Scoring just 1 run is no good, either. In fact, they've scored 2 runs or less in 3 of the last 4. You always need more Hit, Run, & Score! 3)The Pirates will start LH Jon Niese, 5-2, 4.42 ERA. The Marlins counter with LH  Adam Conley, 3-3, 4.15 ERA. In Niese's last 3 starts, the southpaw is 2-0 with a 1.89 ERA. A win for Niese would be nice. Let's Go Bucs!!!!!