Francisco Liriano gets to 16 wins

The Pittsburgh Pirates picked up their second straight victory, a 5-4 win over the Rangers Tuesday night and Francisco Liriano (16-7, 2.92 ERA)) struck out five while allowing one run to become the first Pirates left-hander since John Smiley and Zane Smith in 1991 to win more than 15 games. Liriano has received a decision in each of his 23 starts since signing as a free agent in February, the most for the Pirates since Larry French got a decision in each of his first 24 starts in 1930. “Not his finest outing. A blue-collar effort,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “I think a runner reached base every inning on in. … All we did, we battled tonight, we battled off

Francisco Liriano shines with 8 scoreless innings

Francisco Liriano (15-6, 2.57 ERA) continues to play the role of an “Ace”. Liriano and the Pirates moved into a tie for first place, pitching a 5-0 shutout win over the St. Louis Cardinals. Liriano shined, throwing 8 scoreless innings, allowing allowing just 2 hits, while striking out 6 and walking 2 in the win. Liriano improved to 15-6 on the season and an impressive 8-1 at home. Liriano tied for the National League lead in wins, has allowed 1 earned run or less in three of his last four starts.

Pirates have major need for a “consistent” No. 3 pitcher to emerge behind Rodriguez, Burnett

NEED FOR A CONSISTENT NO. 3 PITCHER TO EMERGE James McDonald pitched six strong innings and Gaby Sanchez delivered a two-run homer to break a 1-1 tie, leading the Pittsburgh Pirates (9-8) to an impressive 3-1 win over the Atlanta Braves (13-4) on Saturday night. McDonald shined allowing 2 hits and 1 run, while striking out 9 and showed a strong battle level getting out of a tough second inning where he normally falters (since 2012 all-star break) in those type of situations. “The second was a big test for him, one he hasn’t passed often,” Hurdle said Saturday night of McDonald. McDonald’s velocity was back in the 92 mph range, a positive sign after struggling to hit 90 in