Pirates Complete Best First Half in Twenty Years

MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen has led the Pittsburgh Pirates to their best record at the All-Star Break since 1992. (Keith Srakocic)

Who would have believed before the season began that A.J. Burnett would have ten wins, while Tim Lincecum would have ten losses? Absolutely positively no one. You would have told me I was crazy. San Francisco Giants ace Lincecum's shockingly horrible first half could be summarized by his performance today against the Pittsburgh Pirates. He gave up six runs on seven hits over only 3 1/3 innings. Meanwhile, Burnett, who has long been known as erratic pitcher, was steady as he has been all year. He limited the Giants to just two runs while pitching into the seventh. Burnett has now won nine consecutive decisions, becoming just the second Pirates pitcher to win at least ten games before the All-Star Break since 1993.

Offensively, it was the Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen show. Walker went 5-5 with a home run, a double, and scored four runs of his own. McCutchen crushed a pair of two-run homers. He has been absolutely red hot as of late. McCutchen is on a 21-for-38 (.552) tear, including six multiple hit games in his last nine games. He has 23 RBIs in his last 19 games. His 18 home runs have all come over the last two months. A NL-high 12 of them have come with baserunners on.

Hits aren't the only thing piling up for the Pirates. Wins happen to be as well. Remember this is a franchise that has endured a North American professional sports record 19 consecutive losing seasons. But these Pirates are looking to put all of that behind them. The NL Central leaders are 48-37, their best record at the All-Star Break since 1992. Since May 12, they are a major league best 34-19. including 10-2 in their last 12. Every way you look at it, the Pirates are playing great baseball.

Manager Clint Hurdle's culture change has been a major reason why. He has his players believing in their abilities to win ball games. With the extra gained revenue and excitement, the front office is even exploring their options to upgrade either the outfield or starting rotation. With the All-Star Break here, it will be easy for the Pirates to cool off. It is important that they maintain their confidence and hot play. If they are able to keep this going, not only will the Pirates finish above.500, they will be vying for a spot in the playoffs.