The Pittsburgh Pirates have done it with pitching and timely offense. Has that gotten old yet? Following their two-game sweep in a doubleheader against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, the Pirates took control of the N.L. Central once again and now own a 1.5-game lead over the red birds.
Entering Monday's five-game series, the Pirates were trailing the Cardinals by 1.5 games. However, the Cardinals weren't looking too great after suffering a three-game sweep to the Atlanta Braves. The Pirates won big in the first game of the series, 9-2, behind a three-run bomb provided by their All-Star third baseman, Pedro Alvarez. The Pirates played a close Game 1 on Tuesday, winning on an Alex Presley walk-off hit, 2-1. Game 2 was anti-climactic as the Pirates won 6-0.
The Pirates received great news, though players don't wish ill upon each other, after Yadier Molina went down in the fourth inning and was placed on the DL with a sprained knee. Molina is the heart and soul of the Cardinals, as he is responsible for calling games behind the plate and guides one of baseball's best pitching teams. This will give the Pirates about two weeks of baseball to cause damage in the N.L. Central Standings.
N.L. Central Standings
Pittsburgh Pirates: 64-42
St. Louis Cardinals: 62-43
Cincinnati Reds: 59-49
Chicago Cubs: 48-58
Milwaukee Brewers: 46-61
The question now, is whether the Pirates consider adding another player to their team. The trade deadline is just a few hours away and the Pirates are just in the rumor mills. They have yet to make a move in 2013.
Not only are the Pirates in first place in the N.L. Central, but they have the best record in baseball, half a game in front of the Tampa Bay Rays, who are 64-43 and a full game in front of the Boston Red Sox who are 62-44. Though the American League won 2013 All-Star Game, consequently owning home field advantage in the World Series, the Pirates can play for home field advantage in the National League as they are surely eyeing an N.L. Pennant.
There are two months of baseball left. Will 2013 be the year the Pirates end their playoff drought?
