Photo: David Hague – Inside Pittsburgh Sports
With 51 games remaining in the 2009 season, the question is not whether the Pirates will avoid their 17th straight losing season but the question is whether the Pirates will lose 100 games for second time this decade.
In the midst of a 8 game losing streak, and only two wins in their last 15 games, the Pirates begin a 6 game road trip which begins in Colorado (62-50) and ends with a three game series against the Chicago Cubs (58-52).
The losing streak could easily reach 14, before the Pirates return home for a 9 game home-stand.
To avoid losing 100 games for the first time since 2001, the Pirates have to win 18 of their final 51 games.
Inside the Numbers
*Why the Pirates will lose 100 games
34 of the 51 remaining games are against divisional opponents; The Pirates are 14-29 in divisional games this year.
*25 of 51 games are on the road ( Road Record: 17-39
*25 of their remaining 51 games are against teams over .500
*6 remaining games against the Milwaukee Brewers (Pirates are 2-18 in their last 20 games against Milwaukee.
*Unlike the Washington Nationals (40-72) (who have won eight straight), the Pirates (45-66) look disorientated and are just going through the motions under manager John Russell
Why the Pirates will hang on and avoid losing 100 games

*13 remaining games against Cincinnati (48-63); 4 remaining games against San Diego (47-66)
The team continues to get solid pitching Zach Duke, Ross Ohlendorf and Kevin Hart which gives the organization an opportunity to avoid losing 100 games.
Team history since 1993
1993: 75 – 87
1994: 53 – 61
1995: 58 – 86
1996: 73 – 89
1997: 79 – 83
1998: 69 – 93
1999: 78 – 83
2000: 69 – 93
2001: 62 – 100
2002: 72 – 90
2003: 75 – 87
2004: 72 – 89
2005: 67 – 95
2006: 67 – 95
2007: 68 – 94
2008: 67 – 95
2009: 44 – 66 (51 games remaining)