Pirates make playoffs for first time in 21 years

By Blake Brooks, Staff Writer|September 30, 2013

Home plate umpire Mike DiMuro calls Chicago Cubs' Nate Schierholtz out at home as Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Russell Martin shows DiMuro the ball during the ninth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, in Chicago. The Pirates won 2-1. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) — AP

Home plate umpire Mike DiMuro calls Chicago Cubs’ Nate Schierholtz out at home as Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Russell Martin shows DiMuro the ball during the ninth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 23, 2013, in Chicago. The Pirates won 2-1. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) — AP

The Buccos are finally rolling. The Pittsburgh Pirates will enter the playoffs this year with a winning record. The team has not made the MLB Playoffs, or even had a winning season since 1992.

The Pirates owe much of its success to center fielder Andrew McCutchen. Usually referred to as “Cutch,” the former National League MVP has had a season to remember. With the regular season ending last night, McCutchen has twenty-one home runs (24th in the NL) and has a batting average of .317 (7th in NL).

The Pirates bullpen has been exceptional this year. This season, the Pirates brought in a 29-year-old from Minnesota, Francisco Liriano. Liriano has 16 wins (3rd in NL) on his time with Pittsburgh which has helped with the team’s success.

Another pitcher, A.J. Burnett, was traded to Pittsburgh in 2012. Burnett has 209 strikeouts (5th in NL) and an ERA (Earned Run Average) of 3.30.

The batters have led the Buccos to many wins, to back up the pitching. The Pirates have scored 634 runs(9th in MLB) this season and collected 1,345 hits. The Pirates hit for 35 triples , which is 3rd in the whole MLB.

Pedro Alvarez, a 3rd year player has sparked the Pirates with 36 home runs. This leads the National League. Though, he also leads in strikeouts in the National League, the home runs help the team in big situations.

One more standout: Starling Marte, is tied for 2nd in the NL for triples. With only 1 year of experience in the MLB, his speed gets him on base most times. Marte was injured on August 18th and missed a whole month of baseball, due to an injured hand. Now that he is back, the Pirates will look to win their division.

After sweeping the Reds in their final series of the season, the Pirates will get to play at PNC Park with home field advantage. The game on Tuesday, October 1st will decide if they play into the playoffs for a series.