Well that just about does it. After last night’s 2-1 loss to the Reds the Pirates can close the book on what looked to be a historical season. Instead, the Pirates were swept by the Reds and are now just two games over .500 at 72-70.
AJ Burnett did exactly what he had to do, keep his struggling team in the game against one of the best teams in all of baseball. I’d say going 6 strong innings and giving up only 2 runs while punching out 8 is a solid start. Compared to recent games AJ’s start last night looked like a prefect game. However, a wild pitch by Burnett in the 3rd inning that ended up leading to a run, and the Bucs ongoing failure of driving in runs led the team to its 6th straight loss.
The Pirates as exactly 20 games left in the 2012 season. They need 10 to break their streak of 19 consecutive losing seasons. They don’t even have to play that well the rest of the season, .500 baseball that’s it. If they continue to play the way that they have over the past three weeks, then be prepared for 20 straight losing seasons in Pittsburgh. When that does happen, don’t be surprised if there are significant changes made to the coaching staff as well as the roster in the offseason. I’m looking at you Clint Hurdle. Unless you can someway reincarnate this team into your 2007 Colorado Rockies, don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
