Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates WILD CARD RACE
Winning five games in a row is a hurdle the Pirates just can’t get over. Pittsburgh’s four game winning streak was snapped with a 4-3 loss to the Phillies tonight. Philadelphia has won 10 of 15.
Pittsburgh has failed this season to post a winning streak of over four games.
Despite the loss, Pittsburgh remains 1.5 games ahead of both Altanta and Milwaukee for the second wildcard spot.
Milwaukee continues their epic collapse, losing to the Marlins 6-3, while the Braves lost their third straight, falling to the Nationals, 6-4.
The interesting story with the wildcard race is the Miami Marlins, now just 3.5 games behind the Pirates for the second spot. The Marlins, though, are still one game below .500 and just 6-7 in their last 13 games. Not like they’re a group getting hot at the right time.
The key development for the Pirates is teams now chasing them are trending down. Milwaukee is 1-13 in their last 14 games while, the Braves have won just six of their last 16 games.
The second wildcard spot is there for the taking, which would be a great accomplishment for a team that personnel wise is not as strong as last years group that won 94 games and not to mention a group that has dealt with injuries to core players. Getting the second wildcard spot with 84-86 wins will be dubbed as a great success this season, regardless of what happens in the play in game.
WILDCARD STANDINGS
1. San Francisco Giants (78-65, Leading ARI 5-1 in 7th)
2. Pittsburgh Pirates (75-69)
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3. Atlanta Braves (74-71, 1.5 GB)
4. Milwaukee Brewers (74-71, 1.5 GB)
5. Miami Marlins (71-72, 3.5 GB)
