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The Pittsburgh Pirates are currently in free fall mode
Dating back to 2011, the Clint Hurdle led Pirates have spent more time contending than not. In 2011 the team lingering around in contention until August, in 2012 they were contending until their epic collapse in September. From 2013 through 2015 the team earned three consecutive postseason berths. In both 2016 and 2017 the team hung around before fading late, and the 2018 team finished with a winning record.
This team, however, is way out of contention and has been for a week. Being eliminated from the postseason race before August is something that has not happened during Hurdle’s time in Pittsburgh, until this season.
Right now the team is playing their worst baseball since that horrific 16-36 finish to the 2012 season. Entering the All-Star Break the Pirates were 44-45, which put them 2.5 games out of first place in the National League Central and the National League Wild Card race. After going 2-14 since the break, the team is now 10 games out in both the division and wild card races.
A series against the Mets appeared to be what the team needed to get back on track. After all, the Mets entered the series with a 47-55 record. But after getting swept, the free fall continues as their losing streak has hit eight games in a row.
The Pirates are currently trying to navigate waters in a rudderless ship. They also have a roster that could look drastically different after Wednesday’s trade deadline.