We're Contenders Now

     It's been a while since a post gone out and since then there has been some baseball played. The Buccos ended the first half of the season on a very high note by taking 6 of 7 games in their final homestand before the All-Star game capped off by a clutch Cutch performance where he would send two out of the park. That wasn't the best moment of that game, though, as A.J. Burnett cruised to his tenth win of the season. After being removed in the seventh, he walked off the field to a loud standing ovation in which he thanked the crowd with a perfect gesture. (Pictured below). The Buccos ended the first half a game ahead of the Reds for first in the Central. It is the first time since '92 that this has happened.

     The All-Star break was an enjoying one for Pirate fans as well because our MVP participated in the Home Run derby, although he didn't make it past the first round (4 Homers), as well as going 1-2 at the plate in the All-Star game. The Hammer also made an appearance in the game striking out the only batter he faced, KC's hometown boy (Billy Butler). The NL would win the game which gives home field in the World Series to the NL Champ.

     The second half has started and it didn't go as well as we had hoped. The Brewers took 2 of 3 from us but there are some good things to come out of the series. The offense seems to be keeping up to it's first half power surge as they scored 14 runs in the three games. Cutch homered in each bringing his total to 21 which is second in the NL. He should be in the thick of the MVP race for the rest of the season if he keeps this up.

     Speaking of the thick of things, the Pirates are showing that they want to be buyers as there are talks that they are going after Justin Upton. If we can land him without giving up a lot of our system then it should put us in a great place for a stretch run at the division. Looking ahead, the second to last series of the season is at home against the Reds. Might be time to circle those dates on the calendar just in case.

#YouGottaBelieve