Pirates/MLB
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates (22-27) had a solid homestand, going 4-2, after splitting a two game series against the Orioles, winning three of four against the Washington Nationals. The team now hits the road for a 10 game road trip, a three game series vs the New York Mets (22-27) that starts today, followed by a four game series vs Los Angeles Dodgers (27-23) and three game series vs the San Diego Padres (23-28).
The Pirates have showed some signs of life over the last week but this is a big road trip for a team that is 6-14 on the road this season.
When the Pirates return from their 10 game road trip, they open a seven game homestand, starting with a three game stand against NL Central leading Milwaukee Brewers (30-21) on June 6.
The next 13 games are either going to keep the Pirates a float or bury them.
Despite the Pirates playing some better ball of late, the starting rotation as a whole continues to show little signs of being counted on.
In Sunday’s 5-2 loss to the Nationals, Francisco Liriano (0-5, 5.06 ERA) gave up four runs, six hits and four walks in five innings while striking out five, remaining winless this season and has not won in 14 consecutive regular season starts.
The Pirates starting rotation is a combined 7-20 on the season with a 4.44 ERA, the 24th worst ERA for a starting rotation in the Majors, and second worst in the National League.
Last year the Pirates starting rotation ranked 5th (ERA) in the Major Leagues, going a combined 64-48 with a 3.50 ERA.
Offensively, a few bright spots again for the Pirates on Sunday was Neil Walker (.267-10HR-26RBI) who had three hits and Josh Harrison (.304-3HR-8RBI) who two hits and hit his third home run of the season.
— Happy Memorial Day from Inside Pittsburgh Sports. Thanks to all the men and women who served and are currently serving —
