Pirates Have Golden Opportunity At PNC Park

The Pirates & Co. Have a Great Opportunity Ahead 

Sometimes the Pittsburgh Pirates leave me speechless.  Like when I type / tweet "Pirates take 3 of 4 from Brewers at PNC Park".  I can't believe I just typed that, but I'm extremely happy to type it!  Also things like "Clint Barmes might be the Pirates' hottest hitter right now."  I just can't believe all of it!  Nonetheless, the Pirates are sitting with the 2nd Wild Card Playoff birth and tied for the 3rd best record in the NL.  They gutted out a 24-17 record through the toughest beginning schedule in all of MLB, and they are about to be rewarded for their hard work.  What is the reward?  Back to back home stints with the Astros and the Cubs could be just what the doctor ordered to get this team in serious consideration as a legitimate contender as we meander towards the calendar month of June.  However, another psychiatric test needs to be passed before I go stating that this Pirates team is any different from the last two teams.

To me, this psychiatric test is one that can transcend any sport or team, but its one that several Pittsburgh sports teams struggle with (especially the Steelers)...what is it you ask?  Putting teams away that have no business contending with you on the playing field.  The Steelers do this regularly when they let losing teams like the Browns and Chiefs hang in (or win) games when it should be a romp.  The Pirates fall susceptible to this as well.  It seems the Pirates struggle with the Cubs, and they've struggled with the Astros (especially when Wandy Rodriguez pitched for them).  To me, the next 6 games are HUGE for the Pirates.  In my opinion, if they don't take 4 games of the next 6 then doubt will certainly start to creep into my mind.  I'm not going to say that all is lost, but at the same time these are games that the Pirates should win...that is, if they are the team we all expect to see night in and night out.

Breaking down the pitching still seems like the Pirates shouldn't have any issue with either team in the next 6 games.  The toughest matchup, in my opinion, is the pesky Jeff Samardzija of the Cubs.  There is something about that guy that stumps the Pirates' bats.  He isn't pitching particularly well (he does play for the Cubs after all) and is sporting a 2-5 record, but you guessed it...one of those wins was vs the Pirates.  The Pirates pitching rotation is good and is due to get better when some arms return to the lineup.  Charlie Morton and Jeff Karstens will help the Buccos in one way or another.  In the meantime, the Pirates are set up perfectly to extend their winning streak.  I said it earlier in this article, and I'll say it again, these next 6 games will tell you alot about the Pirates.  It might not be there fate, but it will be a telling home stretch for the Buccos.  My guess?  They win 5 of 6 and surpass the Reds in the WC and Division standings.  Just call it a hunch.