Wild Card Watch: Pirates Blow Chance to Gain Ground

The Pittsburgh Pirates were in position to make up some ground in the National League wild card race with the Arizona Diamondbacks in town this weekend.

While the Pirates had a lead in all three games, Pittsburgh only walked away with one win during the series.

On Friday night, the Pirates erased an early 5-0 deficit and took the lead only to hand it back to the Diamondbacks a short time later. On Saturday, The Pirates earned a 4-2 before squandering a four-run lead in the rubber match on Sunday.

Instead of strengthening their wild card position, the Pirates dropped a game back from where they were in the last update on Thursday.

Here’s how the wild card race stands entering the Pirates’ off day on Monday.

1st Place: Atlanta Braves (60-51, +0.5)

Since the last update, the Braves had a disappointing weekend, dropping two of their final three games against the Miami Marlins at home. Nonetheless, Atlanta is still atop the wild card standings.

Up Next: The Braves start a three-game series with the National League Central leading Milwaukee Brewers at Truist Park on Tuesday.

2nd Place: San Diego Padres (61-52, +0.5)

The Padres took two out of three from the Colorado Rockies in a home series this weekend. San Diego has been on a surge, winning eight of their last 10 games. Though they’re technically tied atop the wild card standings, Atlanta has the edge in winning percentage for now.

Up Next: The Padres travel to Pittsburgh for the start of a three-game series against the Pirates on Tuesday night.

3rd Place: Arizona Diamondbacks (60-52, –)

The Diamondbacks held onto their third wild card position after winning the series against the Pirates. Like the Padres, Arizona is 8-2 in their last 10 games.

Up Next: Arizona will make the short trip to Cleveland for three games with the first-place Guardians starting Monday night.

4th Place: New York Mets (58-53, 1.5 GB)

The Mets couldn’t capitalize on a three-game series with the now 49-63 Angels and dropped the final two games after winning the opener. New York has dropped three of their last four.

Up Next: The Mets have a makeup game against the Cardinals on Monday then travel to Colorado for  three games with the Rockies.

5th Place: St. Louis Cardinals (57-55, 3.0 GB)

The Cardinals had a rough week in Chicago and were on the losing end in three of the four matchups. Of any team in the wild card race, St. Louis has the worst run differential by a wide margin (-42).

Up Next: After Monday’s game against the Mets, the Cardinals stay in St. Louis for a series with the Rays.

6th Place: Pittsburgh Pirates (56-55, 3.5 GB)

If the Pirates had hung on for the win in the series finale against Arizona on Sunday, they would have been only five games behind the Brewers in addition to a game closer to the Diamondbacks.

Up Next: Another home series against a team they’re chasing in the Padres.