Pirates Struggling as They Face Cubs in Crucial Series

The Pittsburgh Pirates are entering their series against the Chicago Cubs mired in a five-game losing streak, having been outscored 49-14 during that span. Given this dismal performance, many are hoping the Cubs can continue the trend of losses for the Pirates.

Pirates’ Current Struggles

As noted by Austin Bechtold from the Bucs Dugout, the Pirates have plunged to 20 games under .500 for the third time this season. Peaks and valleys are common in a 162-game MLB season, yet the Pirates have reached lows that included firing their manager and tying an MLB record by scoring four or fewer runs in 26 consecutive games. They closed their recent disappointing series with a 12-5 loss to the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, bringing their record to 51-71, while the Brewers stand at 76-44.

Notably, during their losing streak, the Pirates scored a meager 6 runs, demonstrating a severe lack of offense. They have been outscored by a staggering margin, and desperation is creeping in as they prepare for this upcoming series against the Cubs.

The Pirates are set to send Braxton Ashcraft to the mound on Friday, followed by Mike Burrows on Saturday. With no announced starter for Sunday, the team is feeling the heat, as they may need to secure at least two wins in this series to restore some confidence.

Historical Context

Today marks two months since the Cubs last faced the Pirates, where they won a tightly contested game 3-2 thanks to Ian Happ’s walk-off single. Historically, the Cubs have dominated this matchup at Wrigley Field, posting a .647 winning percentage against the Pirates at home since 2015.

Recent Performance Insights

The Cubs find themselves 16 games above .500 and actively competing for a wild card spot while the Pirates appear to be in disarray after their tough series against the Brewers. The upcoming series against the Cubs serves as a critical measure of both teams’ standings in the NL Central.

Probable Pitching Matchups

• Friday: Colin Rea (Cubs) vs. Braxton Ashcraft (Pirates)
• Saturday: Shōta Imanaga (Cubs) vs. Mike Burrows (Pirates)
• Sunday: Javier Assad (Cubs) vs. TBD (Pirates)

Game Times & Broadcasts

• Friday: 1:20 p.m. CT, televised on Marquee Sports Network
• Saturday: 1:20 p.m. CT, aired on FS1
• Sunday: 1:20 p.m. CT, on Marquee Sports Network

Final Prediction

The Cubs must secure at least two victories in this series against the struggling Pirates to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Pirates’ need for a turnaround is evident, but whether they can find their footing against a formidable Cubs team remains to be seen. As the season approaches its final stretch, these remaining games will likely be pivotal in shaping the future for Pittsburgh’s management and roster.

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Editor’s Commentary

The current state of the Pirates paints a grim picture for fans and analysts alike. With the Cubs positioned as a strong contender for the postseason, the writing appears on the wall for Pittsburgh if they cannot significantly improve in the coming games. This series not only impacts playoff standings but could also dictate the future trajectories for players and management in the Pirates’ organization.