With 40 games remaining, Pirate fans have something to look forward to other than who they will sign in the offseason. They have a chance to watch their team lock up a playoff spot and possibly a division title.
If the Bucs can take this afternoon’s contest against Arizona, they would be in great position for, at least, a wild card birth, but this isn’t a team that is looking for just a postseason birth, this is a team that is currently three games clear of the Cardinals for the NL Central lead.
Another team that has suddenly jumped back into the division race is Cincinnati. The Reds, who were seven games back nine days ago, have found themselves only 3 1/2 games back thanks to an 8 – 2 record in their last ten games combined with the recent slides by the Pirates and the Cardinals.
With only 40 games left in the season, this one could go down to the wire. Each team has a couple of chances in that time to gain/hold their ground in the division as well as four series left against the other two and with only one team assured a spot in the divisional series, these 40 shouldn’t disappoint.
Remaining Schedule
PIT (72-50) STL (-2GM) CIN (-3.5 GM)
AZ (1) @ CHC (1) @ MIL (1)
@ SD (3) @ MIL (3) AZ (4)
@ SF (4) ATL (4) MIL (3)
MIL (3) CIN (3) @ STL (3)
STL (3) @ PIT (3) @ COL (3)
@ MIL (3) @ CIN (4) STL (4)
@ STL (3) PIT (3) LAD (3)
@ TEX (3) MIL (3) CHC (3)
CHC (4) SEA (3) @ MIL (3)
SD (4) @ COL (4) @ HOU (3)
CIN (3) @ MIL (3) @ PIT (3)
@ CHI (3) WAS (3) NYM (3)
@ CIN (3) CHC (3) PIT (3)
Today’s first pitch is set for 4:05 and will be televised on FOX (In some areas).
Follow Travis for Pirates news and in-game updates on Twitter @TBerardi_OVA or @TheYinzer
(Photo Credit: Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
