The Pittsburgh Pirates Must Win The Next Two Games

Friday night was, in my opinion, the worst game the Pittsburgh Pirates have played all season as they suffered a 4-0 loss to the Philadelphia Phillies. As a result, the Pirates must win their next two games.

On Friday night the Pittsburgh Pirates put fourth a very poor effort. This poor effort resulted in the Pittsburgh Pirates losing 4-0 against the Philadelphia Phillies. Now, in my opinion, the Pirates must win the next two games.

In my opinion, this is a must win series for the Pirates. The Philadelphia Phillies are a bad team, and the Pittsburgh Pirates currently find themselves three games out of a postseason spot. When trying to make up ground in the standings, you must win series, especially at home, against teams like the Phillies.

Friday night’s game was a tough one to watch, especially being there in person. The Pittsburgh Pirates were absolutely stymied by Phillies’ starter Zach Eflin all night long. Eflin wound up pitching a complete game three hit shutout, without issuing a walk.

No disrespect toward Zach Eflin, but the Pittsburgh Pirates weren’t exactly facing Clayton Kershaw last night. In fact, the starting pitchers the Philadelphia Phillies will send to the mound the next two days, Aaron Nola and Vincent Velasquez, are both better than Eflin. So, the Pirate offense better be much better the next two games. 

The Pittsburgh Pirates currently find themselves three games behind the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins for the second National League Wild Card spot. If the Pirates are going to catch and pass these two teams, along with the New York Mets who the Pirates are two and a half behind, they can not afford to lose series to bad team. And with a record of 22-38 since May 15th the Philadelphia Phillies are indeed a bad team.

This past Tuesday the Pittsburgh Pirates started a stretch of easy games when they had a three game series against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Pirates started this stretch out well by taking two of three against the Brewers, and now they must do the same against the Philadelphia Phillies. However, after losing last night the Pirates will need to win the next two games in order to do that.

Next: Jon Niese Needs Designated For Assignment

The Pittsburgh Pirates find themselves in a must win position. In my opinion, the Pirates must win the next two games against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Pirates can not lose a series at home against a team like the Phillies.