The Pittsburgh Pirates were riding high as they traveled to Chicago to take on the Cubs. Three games later, the Pirates were reminded why the Cubs are the best team in baseball this season.
The Pittsburgh Pirates played a very good series in Miller Park against the Brewers. Sweeping a four-game series in the House of Horrors is always a good thing. The team had to feel good going into Chicago for three games against the Cubs. The Pirates looked confident and loose following their games in Milwaukee. The Cubs proceeded to humble the Pirates.
Upon this writing, the Cubs are a better team than the Pirates. There is simply no debate about that. Obviously, a lot can change if the two clubs meet in the playoffs but right now the Cubs are vastly superior. They proved that in this series. The Pirates weren’t blown out in any of the three games but the Cubs got the big hit more often than the Pirates. The Bucs had chances to win each game but failed. That’s probably more frustrating than if the Cubs would have blown out the Pirates in each of the three games.
Game one may have been the most disappointing loss of the season. The Pirates battled back against Jake Arrieta, only to lose in extra innings in heartbreaking fashion. Following that game, it felt like once again the Cubs were in the Pirates’ heads. The Cubs won and we had to hear that dreadful ‘Go Cubs Go’ song three days in a row. That is the worst kind of hell.
Hero of the Series
Despite getting swept, there was a standout for the team in black and gold. He was easily the player of the game in game one and for the most part was the Pirates’ best offensive player in the series. My Hero of the Series is Josh Harrison.
Harrison went 5-14 (.357) with four RBIs, one run scored and a walk. He also made some outstanding defensive plays at second base as he showed off his stellar range. Harrison has taken off since being placed in the lead-off spot of the order. He’s hitting .298/.327/.375/.702 with one home run, five doubles, 13 RBIs, and five stolen bases as the Pirates lead-off man.
Many pundits scoffed when Clint Hurdle slotted Harrison into the lead-off spot but all he has done is hit and make things happen. Maybe Clint Hurdle knows his team a little better than we do? A novel concept, I know! The Pirates needed a spark and the scrappy Harrison has provided it. There were a lot of reasons the Pirates were swept out of Chicago, Harrison wasn’t one of them. He was outstanding in the series and more than worthy of being named The Hero.
Goat of the Series
When your team is swept, there should be plenty of candidates for the Goat but to be perfectly honest, only one man really comes to mind, unfortunately. The Pirates had a lead going into the ninth inning of game one. The victory was in hand, then the Pirates’ closer threw Jorge Soler a 1-2 fastball that he proceeded to hit 400 feet to tie the game. Tony Watson is my Goat of the Series.
Watson only appeared in one game but he likely changed the entire dynamic of the series. The Pirates went from having a huge come-from-behind victory to a crushing defeat. It was likely the most deflating loss of the season and robbed the Pirates of at least one win in the series.
Watson has struggled since taking over as the closer. The numbers don’t totally reflect that but it’s apparent to anyone paying attention, he’s been below par. We’re definitely spoiled from success as from 2012-2016, Watson was as automatic as any relief pitcher in baseball. So to see him constantly allow base-runners and game-tying home runs is not something we are used to. It’s also a huge regression from Mark Melancon. Watson hasn’t been terrible by any means but he’s looked way more human than Mark Melancon did for most his tenure as Pirates’ closer.
Watson needs to bounce back from his poor streak if this team has any playoff aspirations. You cannot consistently win when the backend of your bullpen has a huge question mark at the closer position. I do think Watson has what it takes to be a fully capable closer, he just needs to show it. Otherwise, the job may not be his for long.
Final Thoughts
The Pittsburgh Pirates had a good opportunity to fully plant their foot on a wildcard spot during this series, instead, they once again got outclassed by an opponent. Getting swept is never good but at least this one makes more sense than getting swept by the Miami Marlins. The Pirates find themselves 2.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second wildcard spot. Not the most ideal position to be in on September 1st but they are not dead.
The Pirates find themselves 2.5 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the second wildcard spot. Not the most ideal position to be in on September 1st but they are not dead. Stranger things have happened in this game than a team overcoming a 2.5 game deficit against a division rival. The Pirates have six games against the Cardinals during the final stretch run of the season. It is gut-check time for this club. They need to take care of business against the Brewers first but after that, it’s time for…THE BIGGEST SERIES IN PNC PARK HISTORY…take 47.
The Pirates can’t focus on the Cardinals yet as the Milwaukee Brewers come to town for a three-game series starting on Friday. The Pirates need to win this series, it’s that simple. Game one is Friday at 7:05pm. Jameson Taillon takes on Junior Guerra. Hold onto your butts, folks, it’s stretch run baseball.
Series Result: Pirates lose 3-0
2016 win/loss record: 67-64
2016 series record: 21-18-3
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