Through the first two games of the 2025 season the Pirates have stolen eight bases and have set new franchise marks. They've been aggressive in different situations and it's put them in a position to score runs.
Ke'Bryan's Hayes steal of third on opening day is just one example of how the Pirates look to be aggressive on the base paths this season. Based on pre-game information he obtained from Tarrik Brock, the Pirates' baserunning coach, he was able to take a free base and Isiah Kiner-Falefa simultaneously stole second.
After a Tommy Pham walk, Bryan Reynolds drove in both Hayes and Kiner-Falefa to give the Pirates a 2-1 lead. I asked Derek Shelton this afternoon if stealing bases consistently will be a part of their identity this season and he said it will be dependent on the situation.
"I think we hope so and we’ve talked about it before where, situationally, we want to run and then the question comes up, ‘Well, why didn’t you guys run?’ Well, score will dictate that, people that are on base will dictate it. Just doesn’t work out where it’s gong to be the wild, wild west of running," Shelton said. "I think we’ve done a really good job in two games of taking the situations."
The eight bases the Pirates have stolen through two games is tied for the fourth-most through the first two games of a season since 1920. They trail the 2023 Orioles (10), 1983 Dodgers (9) and 1976 Reds (9).
Here's Shelton's full media availability:
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
THE ASYLUM
Greg Macafee
7:13 pm - 03.29.2025MiamiShelton: Steals will be situational
Through the first two games of the 2025 season the Pirates have stolen eight bases and have set new franchise marks. They've been aggressive in different situations and it's put them in a position to score runs.
Ke'Bryan's Hayes steal of third on opening day is just one example of how the Pirates look to be aggressive on the base paths this season. Based on pre-game information he obtained from Tarrik Brock, the Pirates' baserunning coach, he was able to take a free base and Isiah Kiner-Falefa simultaneously stole second.
After a Tommy Pham walk, Bryan Reynolds drove in both Hayes and Kiner-Falefa to give the Pirates a 2-1 lead. I asked Derek Shelton this afternoon if stealing bases consistently will be a part of their identity this season and he said it will be dependent on the situation.
"I think we hope so and we’ve talked about it before where, situationally, we want to run and then the question comes up, ‘Well, why didn’t you guys run?’ Well, score will dictate that, people that are on base will dictate it. Just doesn’t work out where it’s gong to be the wild, wild west of running," Shelton said. "I think we’ve done a really good job in two games of taking the situations."
The eight bases the Pirates have stolen through two games is tied for the fourth-most through the first two games of a season since 1920. They trail the 2023 Orioles (10), 1983 Dodgers (9) and 1976 Reds (9).
Here's Shelton's full media availability:
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
We’d love to have you!