Pirates surge in Wild Card race with five-game winning streak

Jul 19, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Nick Gonzales (39) reacts after hitting a game winning walk off single to defeat the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at PNC Park. Pittsburgh won 8-7.Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The iconic PNC Park erupted in celebration on Friday night as the Pittsburgh Pirates mounted a dramatic rally in the 9th inning against the Philadelphia Phillies. The game concluded with a walk-off base hit by Nick Gonzalez, driving in Andrew McCutchen and securing an 8-7 victory for Pittsburgh.

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With this win, the Pirates have now extended their winning streak to five games and have won seven of their last eight games. This recent surge has catapulted them into serious contention for a National League Wild Card spot, as they sit just 0.5 games behind the final position, marking their most significant postseason push since 2015.

Central to the Pirates’ success has been rookie sensation Paul Skenes. The former #1 overall pick of the 2023 draft has dazzled with a 1.90 ERA across 11 starts. Remarkably, the Pirates have never been trailing when Skenes exited a game. He has amassed 89 strikeouts in 66.1 innings and had the honor of starting on the mound for the National League in the All-Star game.

Overall, the Pirates rank 13th in team ERA, with Mitch Keller also delivering outstanding performances. Keller has already secured 10 wins and holds a 3.46 ERA over 19 starts.

However, the road ahead is challenging. The Pirates face the toughest remaining schedule among National League Wild Card contenders, with their opponents having an average winning percentage of .513. This is slightly tougher compared to the St. Louis Cardinals, who currently hold the second Wild Card spot and face a .512 strength of schedule.

Four of the final five series’ that Pittsburgh plays to wrap up the year will come against postseason-caliber teams, including the Royals, Cardinals, Brewers, and Yankees.

Given the Pirates recent outburst as a contender in the race, signs are now pointing towards then transforming into a buyer at the trade deadline, something they have not done in numerous years.

With around 65 games on the schedule left for most teams, there are five teams that are separated by just two-games for the final two Wild Card spots. This is similar to what we saw last season, which ultimately ended in the Diamondbacks sneaking away with a trip to the postseason.

Get your popcorn ready—the race is on.