The Pittsburgh Pirates know that they are running out of time, but can they still go on a playoff run?
With just a couple of weeks left in the regular season, the Pittsburgh Pirates remain very much alive in the wild-card race of the National League.
But time is starting to run out for the Pirates, who have been playing with a sense of urgency of late. Pittsburgh is coming off a frustrating three-game series with the Chicago Cubs that saw them drop two of three games.
However, the Pirates had a real chance to take two of three, changing the narrative around this group. On Saturday over the weekend, the Pirates looked in control of the game following a strong start from ace Paul Skenes.
But the bullpen collapsed, dropping the game in disappointing fashion. Pirates manager Don Kelly wanted to see his team respond after the loss, and they did just that.
“I know yesterday was frustrating, a tough loss, but to bounce back today, have a 4-2 road trip, go back home .500 -- just keep on going every single day,” Kelly said.
Pittsburgh won the series finale, avoiding the sweep and keeping the playoff hopes alive. But the Pirates are now six games back of the final wild-card spot, with 12 games to go.
In front of the Pirates are the Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres, who just don't seem to be losing. But the Pirates aren't giving up hope, and this team will play until the very last game, giving themselves a chance, albeit with slim odds.
“There's still a chance,” Infielder Brandon Lowe said. “Any way that you want to look at it, whether it be a long shot, whether it be anything. We're still playing meaningful games. That's all you can ask for right now.”
The Pirates haven't made the playoffs since 2015, which is one of the longer droughts in baseball. But this year's team is tired of hearing about this drought.
This team has looked much better than in years past, with multiple young players taking a step forward in terms of development. Pittsburgh has been competitive on the field, which isn't something that this franchise has been able to say in recent years.
The Pirates will continue to try to get in, hoping that the teams in front of them drop a few games along the way. But all the Pirates can do is control what they can, and that is putting their best foot forward on the field.
Pittsburgh is gearing up for a massive three-game series against the NL Central leading Milwaukee Brewers. This could determine everything for this group, but the guys in the clubhouse are ready for the challenge.
