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.

— Andrew McCutchen (.332 – 12 HR – 39 RBIs had three hits, including his 12th homer of the season in the Pirates 7-2 win last night. McCutchen ranks in the top-10 in the National League in several categories: 6th in NL in BA (.332); • 7th in NL in SB (14); • 8th in NL in SLG (.562); • 7th in NL in OPS (.952)

— Pedro Alvarez (.214 – 12 HR – 34 RBI) is 7-11 (.636) at the plate in his last three games after a 2-3 night with a double. During that span, Alvarez has 4 home runs, 9 RBI’s and 6 extra base hits

— Clint Barmes (.200 – 3 HR – 15 RBI) is batting .200 for the first time this season after a big night against the Twins, going 3-4 with an RBI double in the 6th. Barmes 11 doubles on the year ranks 8th in the National League among shortstops.

— Kevin Correia (3-6, 4.12 ERA), came into last night’s game, having won only three of his previous 20 starts, dating to last July. He posted his first win at home since June 22, 2011. Correia pitched 5 1/3 shutout innings, allowing four hits and just two walks.