Pirates' Series Recap: Cubs Take Buccos Deep, Show They Are Kings of the Central
The Cubs came into PNC Park with the top record in the Central despite having one of the most demanding schedules in Major League Baseball. Chicago did what they were supposed to do and took the series from the Pirates and made the once invincible Paul Skenes look mortal.
Pittsburgh came into the season with a 20 percent chance of making the playoffs. After this series, that number is now less than three percent. Even more daunting than the playoff percentage is the strength of schedule the Pirates face going forward, which is the fourth toughest in MLB.
The Pirates sit eight games below .500, seven games back of the Cubs and have the second-worst win percentage in the National League, third in Major League Baseball surrounding themselves with the likes of the Colorado Rockies and the Chicago White Sox, both being on track to be two of the top five worst teams in MLB history based on win percentage.
TOO HIGH? FORGET IT, IT’S GONE
The Pirates' pitching staff did not give up more than two home runs in a game through the first 29 games of the season. The Cubs hit four on Tuesday in game one and Thursday in game three. Overall, the Cubs hit eight home runs in the series, all coming in the two games that they took from the Black & Gold.
These home runs led to some big numbers for the North Siders, scoring 17 runs in their two wins. In those 18 innings, Chicago had six innings where they put up more than one run. Their three runs scored on Wednesday also came in one inning.
Five of the eight home runs came off Pirate starters, three came in one inning off Skenes. One-third of the home runs the Pirates have given up this season came in those two games against the Cubs.
TWO STEPS FORWARD, THREE STEPS BACK
The Bullpen looked to right the ship after what was a tumultuous start to the season, that is, until this series. In 12.1 innings, the bullpen gave up 11 earned runs to the Cubs. That equates to an 8.25 ERA for the series.
While the Cubs lineup has been the toughest the Pirates’ pitchers have seen this season statistically, leading MLB with 192 runs, 15 more than the next closest, and second in average (.264), the Pirates pitching has been the strong point of the team, and one of the lone bright spots for Yinzers to hang their hats on. Pittsburgh now ranks 21st in the majors in ERA (4.23) and has given up 147 earned runs.
IT’S JUST A GAME
Before I wrap up this series recap and preview the upcoming pitching matchups, I would like to take this time to give my thoughts and prayers to the Pirates fan who was injured Wednesday night. Like me, the fan was in his 30s and was having the time of his life with his team, just like I do many summer nights. Let this be a reminder of how quickly something like this can happen. Please, always be present.
UP NEXT
Well, it doesn’t get any easier for the Pirates as the San Diego Padres come to town, boasting one of the best records in the MLB. San Diego ranks third in batting average coming into the series.
Friday’s game will feature Mitch Keller for the Pirates and Dylan Cease for the Padres. Cease is 1-2 with a 5.26 ERA, and Keller is 1-2 with a 3.97 ERA. Bailey Falter will pitch for the Pirates on Saturday as he is 1-3 with a 5.93 ERA. Andrew Heaney will toe the slab on Sunday. San Diego has not announced their starters for Saturday and Sunday.
