Pittsburgh Pirates series review vs Reds

Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates had maybe their worst series of the year against the Brewers getting swept out of Miller Park for the second time this season, but they were able to bounce back and two two of three from the hated Cardinals. Keeping their NL Central title chances alive for at least one more series.

The Pirates then had to turn their attention to the struggling Cincinnati Reds. Great American Ballpark hasn’t been very kind to the Pirates in recent years, but when you’re in a pennant race, there is no excuse for a team as good as the Pirates to lose to a rebuilding ball club.

The Pirates are a great team and you don’t become a great team by taking other clubs for granted. The Pirates struggles against the NL Central’s bottom-feeders is not from lack of focus, I can assure you of that. The Pirates need to keep the same intensity against the Reds that they do when they face the Cardinals. Because in September, every single game means something.

The Pirates looked to Locke down a good start to the series with Mr. Popular on the mound for game one.

Next: Game One: Locke vs. DeSclafani