There was a point in the season not too long ago that it was almost a given that the Pittsburgh Pirates would – at a minimum — finish with a winning record.
There was talk of a possible division title, or at least an interesting pennant chase with the Cincinnati Reds.
I even heard chatter by fans dreaming of a World Series appearance.
Those soon evaporated.
The wild card still was within reach, and talk stayed focused on the playoffs.
On the morning of Sept. 9, after losing six of their past eight games, is it time to just hope the Pirates can drag across the finish line with a winning record?
Their record is 72-66, just six games over that magic mark.
The Pirates’ epic seven-error game — a 12-2 loss to the Cubs Friday — has me wondering if they can do it.
They followed that up with a 4-3 loss.
All the magic of the first half seems lost.
Andrew McCutchen isn’t clutch.
A.J. Burnett isn’t as dominant.
Those close wins from May and June and turned into losses.
Heck, that great record at PNC Park has vanished.
After today’s game against the Cubs, the Pirates go to Cincinnati for three games against the Reds.
Anyone feel confident about that series?
The Pirates have bounced back before this season, especially taking two out of three games against the Cardinals at the end of August.
Somehow, I can’t help but feel this time might be different.
I hope I’m wrong.