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After going 5-2 over their last seven games after a disappointing sweep at the hands of the San Fracisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates hitters might be a bit sour that the All-Star Break is upon us.
It is not as if the Pirates offensive attack has been unbelievable over the past week to ten days, but major cogs have been getting it done. Andrew McCutchen (244), Gregory Polanco (170), Josh Bell (123) and Jordy Mercer (113) all have a wRC+ above the MLB average of 100.
Of those four, an argument can be made that a break — albeit a brief four-day window — in the team’s schedule can disrupt these performances. In the case of Polanco, who has not been able to get things going to this point, that point is doubly so.
We’ve wondered out loud previously if there is actual momentum in baseball. That is hard to judge at a team level, but for individual performances, the answers is: absolutely.
About Last Night; Sponsored By
Welcome to “About Last Night,” your quick snapshot at the previous day/night in Pittsburgh Pirates game action.
As we mentioned above, the club was able to jump on Lester early and often as they took a three-game series over the Chicago Cubs. The 10 runs scored by the Pirates in the first inning were highlighted by Francisco Cervelli’s grand slam, his first round-tripper since May 10th.
2017 All-Star Josh Harrison broke out of a 2-for-28 start to July in a huge way, going 3-for-5 with a walk, home run, two RBI and three runs.
Chad Kuhl performed admirably, filling in for Jameson Taillon (flu-like symptoms) at the last minute. With the game turning into a laugher early on, there was no need for him to pitch deep into the game, and he gave way after three innings. Wade LeBlanc, A.J. Schugel and Jhan Marinez took it from there in the eventual 14-3 win.
“First Half” MVP?
It is a common misnormer to refer to the game’s schedule before the All-Star Break as the “first half.” Of course, this is untrue, as the Pittsburgh Pirates will have played 89 games, or eight more than a true halfway point.
Semantics aside, we want to know who you our twitterfeel is the team’s Most Valuable Player of the “first half.” Hop over to and let us know who and why.
Who has been the #Pirates "1st half" MVP?
— Jason Rollison (@jrollisonpgh) July 9, 2017
Baseball Talk on the Web
- Craig Edwards wonders who takes the credit — and the blame — for constructing the Arizona Diamondbacks.
- Beyond the Box Score wonders if a team can steal Giants slugger Brandon Belt.
- It’s getting to be one of the most exciting times to be a baseball fan. With the trade deadline coming upon us, the Marlins and Red Sox might get the party started.
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