It’s difficult to decipher much from a two-game series, but a split is pretty much the bare minimum of what you want. The Pirates played a fairly poor game one due to a poor start from Jon Niese, but came out and had a great response in game two as the offense exploded for eight runs on 11 hits. The Mariners are a pretty decent team, and while a split is not great, it isn’t terrible when you’re playing an interleague road series.
The biggest takeaway from the Dodgers and Mariners series where the Pirates have gone 4-2 in their last six is the bullpen as hit an especially good stretch as they are currently riding a 20.2 scoreless inning streak and have helped the Pirates put away opponents. If the bullpen can start to be especially effective, the Pirates could start to see a return to form.
The Pirates will have a much-deserved off-day before traveling to Oakland to begin a three-game series with the Athletics. The A’s have been struggling for most of this season, so the Pirates need to come out and beat a team they should if they want to start their run back to above .500 baseball. Nothing is guaranteed in this game, so the Pirates cannot overlook any opponent and that includes the 35-43 Athletics as they are still a Major League team and are capable of beating the Pirates, especially if the Pirates don’t pitch well.
Jeff Locke will take the mound in game one of the Oakland series opposite Sonny Gray. First pitch is scheduled for 10:05pm, therefore we have another chance for Late Night BUCN.
Series Result: Split 1-1
2016 win/loss record: 38-41
2016 series record: 11-12-2
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