Pirates' Playoff Hopes Sinking: Cincinnati Reds Take Series

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Pirates beat Reds 5-4 on ninth-inning comeback - Bucs Dugout
The Pittsburgh Pirates' postseason aspirations took another hit as they faltered against the Cincinnati Reds, losing the series and further distancing themselves from a potential wild card spot. The Pirates' struggles against their National League Central division rivals have been a recurring theme this season, and this latest series loss only adds to their woes.
Reds vs. Pirates Game Highlights (9/14/21) | MLB Highlights - YouTube

The Pirates' offense, which has been inconsistent all season, was unable to muster up enough runs to overcome the Reds' pitching. The team's batting average and on-base percentage have been declining over the past few weeks, and it showed in their inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The Pirates' hitters were unable to make adjustments at the plate, and their lack of clutch hitting was evident in the series.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates live stream, TV channel, start ...
Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds live stream, TV channel, start ...

Reds' Pitching Shuts Down Pirates

2013 NL Wild Card Game | Pirates vs. Reds (10/1/2013) - YouTube
The Reds' pitching staff, on the other hand, was dominant throughout the series. Their starters and relievers combined to shut down the Pirates' offense, holding them to just a handful of runs over the three-game series. The Reds' pitching has been a strength all season, and it was on full display against the Pirates. The Pirates' hitters were unable to solve the Reds' pitching, and it led to a frustrating series for the team.
Reds Vs. Pirates: Bucs Take On More Water, Lose 2-1 - SB Nation Pittsburgh

The Pirates' pitching, which has been a bright spot for the team this season, was also unable to contain the Reds' offense. The Reds' hitters were able to get to the Pirates' starters early, and the bullpen was unable to shut the door in the late innings. The Pirates' pitching staff has been carrying the team for much of the season, but they were unable to come through in this series.

Photos from The Reds vs. Pirates, June 25
Photos: Cincinnati Reds Lose in Tense Game Against the Pittsburgh ...

Playoff Hopes Fading

Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Cincinnati Reds. - PIT2013092109 - UPI.com
The loss drops the Pirates further behind in the wild card standings, and their playoff hopes are beginning to fade. The team has been unable to string together a consistent stretch of wins, and it has cost them dearly in the standings. The Pirates are running out of time to make a push for the playoffs, and they will need to turn things around quickly if they hope to make a postseason run.

The Pirates will look to regroup and refocus as they head into their next series. They will need to find a way to overcome their struggles against division opponents and start winning games against teams they should beat. The Pirates have the talent and the roster to make a playoff push, but they need to start playing up to their potential. With the season winding down, the Pirates are running out of time to make a move.

Cincinnati Reds vs. Pittsburgh Pirates live stream, TV channel, start ...

What's Next for the Pirates

The Pirates will look to bounce back from this series loss as they head into their next series. They will face another tough opponent, and they will need to be ready to play. The Pirates' schedule doesn't get any easier, and they will need to start winning games quickly if they hope to stay in the playoff hunt. The team's fans are still holding out hope that the Pirates can make a late-season push, but it will require a significant turnaround.

The Pirates' front office will also be watching the series closely, as they consider making moves to bolster the roster for a potential playoff push. The trade deadline has passed, but the team could still make moves to add depth and talent to the roster. The Pirates have the pieces to make a playoff run, but they need to start playing up to their potential.

In conclusion, the Pirates' loss to the Reds was a tough pill to swallow, and it has left the team's playoff hopes hanging by a thread. The Pirates will need to regroup and refocus as they head into their next series, and they will need to start winning games quickly if they hope to make a postseason run. With the season winding down, the Pirates are running out of time to make a move. Will they be able to turn things around and make a push for the playoffs, or will their season come to a disappointing end? Only time will tell.