Pirates Clinch Playoffs, End 21 Year Drought

At least Pittsburgh has the Pirates. The Steelers may have started the NFL season 0-3, but the Pirates just clinched a spot in the MLB playoffs for the first time in 21 years.

The 2013 MLB season also marks the Pirates first winning season in 21 years. The last time the Pirates made the playoffs, they won 96 games to win the NL Central. Barry Bonds was the centerpiece of the offense and the league MVP. Jim Leyland was the teams manager.

Leyland now manages the Detroit Tigers and Bonds is caught in a snow storm of legal trouble.

A new era has officially begin for Pittsburgh baseball. It may taken longer than anyone expected, but it’s has to feel good.

To clinch the playoffs, the Pirates beat the Chicago Cubs 2-1. Charlie Morton pitched seven inning and didn’t let go of a run. Mark Melancon pitched the eighth and gave up the Cubs’ lone run. Neil Walker hit a home run in the top of the ninth to save the game.

The steel city a very happy place tonight.

Next up for the Pirates will be the division. They sit two games behind the St Louis Cardinals for the division lead. If they can catch the Cardinals they will avoid a one game wild card playoff. That would be ideal.

The Pirates have a team set up for a deep postseason run. They have great pitching led by AJ Burnett, great hitting led by Andrew McCutchen, and great defense, also led by McCutchen.

In fact, Pittsburgh has a legitimate MVP candidate in Andrew McCutchen. He is the heart of Pittsbugh and leads with his speed on the base paths and patience behind the plate.

Are you excited the Pirates clinched the playoffs? Can they make a deep run?

[image via Wikimedia Commons]