Did anyone get the license plate number

I feel like I was watching the infamous JR Ewing dream episode.....for you older readers in the crowd. One day JR is alive and well, the next day he's shot, then none of it ever happened. I never would have dreamed I would ever mention Dallas in this blog, except for the Steelers beating up on the Dallas Cowboys. But, I just connected the 2 scenarios and there you go.

In the Pirates case they were on top of the world. Higher than they had been for 18 years. They were cruising along in a 3 or 4 team race for the lead in the NL Central. Even a couple days either alone at top or tied for first. The pitching was outstanding, a few young players were stepping up for the walking wounded. The Pirates for the first time in many years were looking to supplement the talent on the team to brace for the stretch run. All seemed well in the Pirate's world.

Then suddenly the gunshot rang out, it sounded a lot like a safe call from the mouth of Jerry Meals in the 19th inning of a marathon game and that happy place the Pirates had found this year disappeared. There were no answers. Those pitchers who had been dominant for much of the season suddenly could not hold their opponents from batting around. There were no stoppers among the starting 5, the bullpen became overwhelmed and overused, and the coaching staff searched for any solution possible. The Pirates went from 7 games over .500 to 6 games under in the blink of an eye.

Then, the alarm rang and JR woke up from his dream. The Pirates managed to escape PNC park and headed west. Anyone who witnessed that 10 game losing streak had to assume the Pirates pitching staff would not fare well against the defending World Champs. Fortunately the Giants strength is pitching and not offense. Their pitching didn't show up for 2 games of the 3 game series and the Pirates were able to return to their series winning ways.

Prior to the season noone would have expected the Pirates to perform the way they had before the recent 10 game skid. But the Pirates won time and again. The fans became spoiled expecting wins from this team and they produced. It was a great run and unless the Brewers experience the same fate as the Pirates, the race no longer includes the Pirates.

There is one thing Pirate fans can look forward to this season, and one thing the Pirates can play for. Another streak that has lasted far too long. These players should be aiming for the most wins they can get, but they should certainly focus on 82.