The Latest Breaking News from Pirates

The first baseman, who hit .342 last season, came into Thursday night’s game against the Pirates with a modest nine-game hitting streak. “Kind of a slow start ... but I’m started to swing the bat better.”

MILWAUKEE — The Pirates lost a game Wednesday. Whatever. It's not exactly a secret they'll lose a bunch more this season.

PITTSBURGH — It’s only eight games into the season, but the Pirates have already enjoyed a crash course on what’s possible when you get competent pitching. And it doesn’t matter how it comes. Just keeping the other team remotely in check allows the offense to do its thing.

PITTSBURGH — In the last two games before Friday, the Pirates had staked their opponent a lead in the first inning before climbing back to win.

PHILADELPHIA — When Jackie Robinson stepped out on to Ebbets Field in 1947 in the alabaster Brooklyn Dodgers uniform, “American apartheid flashed into view like wicked lightning,” in the words of author Roger Kahn. A tempest of change had arrived and its impact would be felt across America extending way…

PITTSBURGH — Lunch time Tuesday featured news that the Pirates had avoided an arbitration hearing with their best player, signing Bryan Reynolds to a two-year contract worth $13.5 million. It ended with a victory that was even more unlikely, especially after an ugly first inning.

The All-Star starter in 2021 will make more than $13 million over the next two seasons.

Cubs reliever Michael Rucker threw 2 1⁄3 innings against the Pirates on Wednesday to keep the bullpen fresh.

PITTSBURGH — Former red-bearded Pirate Colin Moran made a habit of homering in home openers, doing so in three straight seasons from 2018-2020. Perhaps the current red-bearded Pirate, outfielder Ben Gamel, can claim the next day as his.