Pittsburgh Pirates Wake Up Call – We’ve Seen This Before

In our daily Wake-Up Call, we get you ready for the day with a complete look at all things Pittsburgh Pirates

Even. Year. Magic.

The NL Wildcard Game went exactly as expected last night. The Giants defeated the New York Mets as a result of a Madison Bumgarner complete game shutout. Pirates’ fans know that story all too well. Bumgarner pretty much set his legacy in the 2014 postseason but last night he added to his reputation as the best big-game pitcher of his generation.

Noah Syndergaard of the Mets pitched tremendously as well. He went seven innings, allowed zero runs on two hits and struck out 10. This game was advertised as a pitcher’s duel and it was exactly that. Two of the best pitchers on the planet, matching each other zero for zero. It wasn’t until the ninth inning that this game was decided. The least likely hero hit the game-winning home run for the Giants. Conor Gillaspie‘s name will go down in infamy in New York sports lore.

Homefield Disadvantage

My biggest takeaway from last night’s Wildcard game is that teams should really aim for playing on the road. Home teams are 3-7 in Wildcard Game. On the NL Side, no home team has even scored a run since the Pirates scored their sixth run in 2013. 2014, 2015 and now 2016 were all shutouts. It’s getting to the point where if the Wildcard standings are close, it’s best to intentionally lose some games so you can play on the road.

It’s hard to figure out why road teams have had such success in Wildcard Games. You can really only chalk it up to the randomness of a one-game playoff. Homefield wins over over time but in one game literally any outcome is possible, life is chaos.

It’s also best to avoid playing Madison Bumgarner in any elimination game. In his last two Wildcard Games, he’s pitched 18 innings, allowed zero runs and struck out 16. He’s also broken the hearts of Pirates and Mets fans. If you’re an opposing team, there isn’t a pitcher you’d want to see less when your season is on the line. Bumgarner doesn’t just beat you, he kills you. That’s what separates him from everyone else. He has an unmatched killer instinct. You can’t teach it.

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