The Pittsburgh Pirates Pivotal Week: Some Signs of Life

Despit all the offensive woes, the Pittsburgh Pirates have gone 21-18 in their last 39 games. The team kicks off a pivotal week of play against NL Central opponents this week with several things going in their favor.

Pedro Alvarez hit bomb number eight and has been putting together more competent plate appearances while on his five game hitting streak. Nothing will be more important for the Bucs offense than having Alvarez get hot against the Reds and Brewers.

Rod Barajas is hitting .368 in his past eleven games.

Clint Barmes is 6-for-his-last 19. It’s true. Oh, yes, it’s true.

Since getting the call from Indianapolis, Matt Hague has hit safely in all three games.

Josh Harrison is hitting .300 in the month of May.

Andrew MayVP McCutchen is second in slugging, third in bombs, and fourth in OBP and average in the month of May. Cutch is hitting .400 in his past 20 games.

Neil Walker is getting warmed up going 8-for-his-last 19. He has destroyed Reds pitching at PNC Park.

James McDonald who has a 1.57ERA in his past five starts will fire the first pitch today. It would be awesome to see him pitch strong, grab the victory, setting the stage for the Bucs to take the series as soon as tomorrow.

AJ Burnett matches up with the Pirate killer Johnny Cueto later in series.

It’s important to battle against the division rivals this week, because the team wont see NL Central opponent until the end of June. The offensive slumber is showing some signs of life.

It couldn’t happen at a more crucial time.