Pirates will find out what they're made of in tough stretch

Derek Shelton. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Pirates will find out what they're made of amid tough stretch

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 5/3/23

The Pirates (20-10) have been one of the hottest teams in the MLB, but the team is about to find out what it's made of.

Pittsburgh has dropped its last two games, including the first of its series with the Rays on Tuesday. However, with two games still to go vs. Tampa Bay and the Blue Jays on deck, things aren't getting any easier. The combined record of the two opponents is 42-18.

The Pirates' 4-1 loss to the Rays wasn't pretty, and although some are placing blame elsewhere, the team is beating itself with bad defense and in-game decisions.

I want a consistent strike zone. Call it evenly. Even if it’s not always accurate. Tonight Rays pitchers got strikes that Pirates pitchers had called balls. This was a big game. Makes strong argument for computer calling balls and strikes.
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) May 3, 2023

Pittsburgh still sits atop the division, but with the Brewers (18-11) not far behind, the team needs to find its footing once again.

If the Pirates can finish the two series with a winning record, it would be a big win with a consolation prize of the Rockies (10-20), whom they swept in April, up next. But Pittsburgh can't get too comfortable with the Orioles (20-9) following.

The Pirates have been one of the best stories of the season thus far, and although there's still a lot of season left, they surely have their eyes on returning to the postseason for the first time since 2015.

More must-reads: