The Pittsburgh Pirates are experiencing a resurgence as they approach summer, showcasing their best play of the season. Following a series of successes, the Pirates have won five of their last six games, including a significant three-game sweep against their rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies, at PNC Park last weekend. This winning streak was complemented by a victory over the Miami Marlins, emphasizing the team’s improvement under new manager Donnie Kelly, who has led the team to a 16-15 record since taking over.
A highlight of the recent games was Andrew McCutchen’s historic homerun off Cal Quantrill, marking his 241st home run with the Pirates. This achievement places McCutchen third in all-time franchise history, surpassing the legendary Roberto Clemente. Thus far in the season, McCutchen has hit six home runs and continues to add to his impressive 17-year career total of 325 home runs.
Despite this positive momentum, the Pirates’ overall record stands at 28-41, primarily impacted by a challenging start and struggles earlier in the season. Their current offensive statistics show that they rank tied for 29th in runs scored and tied for 24th in hits. However, there are signs of progress, as the team has managed to score five or more runs in six of their last 15 games, a notable improvement given their previous record of scoring four runs or fewer in 26 consecutive contests.
Looking ahead, the Pirates are set to face the Chicago Cubs in a four-game series at Wrigley Field, where they hope to continue their upward trajectory. The pitching matchup featuring Paul Skenes against Cubs prospect Cade Horton promises to be a highlight of the series. Despite Skenes’ impressive statistics, he currently has a losing record, a potential rarity for a pitcher of his caliber aiming for standout achievements.
Overall, while there is still work to be done, the improvements made in recent games reflect the team’s commitment to turning their season around. Their ability to secure wins against top teams like the Cubs could set the tone for a stronger performance as they progress through the season.