Pittsburgh Pirates Overcome -17 Run Differential to Win Series at Wrigley

The Pirate starting rotation needs to be better moving forward

As Noah wrote about late last week the starting rotation continues to be the biggest issue for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Against the Cubs the rotation continued to struggle, despite the Pirates taking three out of four.

In 12.2 innings pitched, Pirate starting pitchers allowed 16 runs, 10 earned, on 18 hits, 11 walks, a home run, and 10 strikeouts. That’s a collective woof.

There is no world in which the early season success of the Pirates continues without the starting rotation improving. An 8-8 start is a terrific one for the Pirates. The work of their bullpen, especially long-relievers, is a big part of this, but without more innings from the starting rotation it is unreasonable to expect it to continue.