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The woes continued for the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday in Philadelphia. The Bucs, coming off of a rough three game weekend series in which they were swept at home by the San Francisco Giants, were shut out by the Phillies, handing them their fourth consecutive defeat.
The loss, which drops the Bucs to 37-46 this season, pushes them back further in the National League Central race, seven games back to be exact.
While Ivan Nova wasn’t at his best – allowing four earned runs on seven hits in six innings – the Pirates offense again remained relatively silent as they didn’t have answers for Phillies starter Aaron Nola. Nola was remarkable Monday for the Phillies, allowing just four hits in seven shutout innings while walking one and striking out eight.
The National League Player of the Month for June, Andrew McCutchen, picked up a hit in the loss along with David Freese, Gregory Polanco and Jordy Mercer. However, the rest of the Pirates lineup, including the Bucs lone All-Star in Josh Harrison, were contained. The Pirates went 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position and left six men on the base in the defeat.
While the offense and Nova showed struggles Monday, there was a positive. The Bucs didn’t have to use up much of their bullpen which has been full of unreliable arms as of late. Wade LeBlanc pitched well in relief of Nova, throwing two shutout innings, but it wasn’t enough as the Phillies ran away with the first of a four game series.
The Pirates have been incredibly lucky this season. Despite their inconsistent play and horrid record, they have somehow kept pace in the NL Central. However, with their current losing streak, their luck may be starting to run out.
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