Pirates 19-8 against teams currently with below .500 records

-- The Pirates improving to 35-31 with a 7-2 win over the Minnesota Twins last night, continue to establish a winning formula, beating teams they should and becoming a very tough out at home.

The Pirates winners of five straight at home and 9-1 in their last 10 games at PNC Park, now boast a 20-11 home record. This is a team that Pirate management feels is built to win in their ballpark

When it comes to beating teams you should, the Pirates are now an impressive 19-8 against teams currently below .500 (PHI, ARI, COL, HOU, MIA, DET, CHC, MIL, KC, MIN). Pittsburgh has taken 8 of 9 series against those 10 teams and look to take 9 of 10 after taking the first game last night against the Twins.

Pittsburgh currently trails the division leading Cincinatti Reds (38-29) by just 2.5 games and are just a .5 game out of both wildcard spots. Exciting times for Pirate fans.