Pittsburgh Pirates’ manager attributes team’s success to the players’ commitment – MLB News
The Pittsburgh Pirates' manager Clint Hurdle stated on Wednesday, July 11, that the team’s success in the first half of the season is due solely to the commitment the players have shown. The Pirates which are currently atop the National League Central ranking are all set to storm into second half with more confidence.
What the Pirates have achieved so far is no less than a dream come true. Their rise should really be attributed to the exceptional competitiveness and the will to fight despite a number of odds that could potentially upset the balance.
"A group of men committed to one goal, [when] nobody cares who gets the credit, can do some pretty exciting things," Hurdle said. "So far, three-and-a-half months into the season, that's kind of the direction we're headed right now. But we know how hard it is."
The team has a record of 48-37 in the first half of the season. If their previous history is to be seen, they were almost in the same position initially but witnessed incredible slump, ending with 72-90 in the season.
That is an experience and that the team would at best, like to avoid this time round. Despite a lot of offensive woes that affect the team, the Pittsburgh Pirates are doing remarkably well so far.
"A year ago, we experienced four months of good baseball, then two months of wipeout baseball," said Hurdle, alluding to the fact that team had finished with 72-90 record and a record of remaining under .500 for 19th year. "They walked away with a better comprehension of what you need to do, how mentally tough you have to be, to win your division."
However, this year remains considerably different. The team intends to make maximum use of the opportunity that has come in their hands. The fact that they are well beyond the teams like the Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers is reassuring.
If the same performance is maintained in the second half of the season, the Pirates will be one of the toughest rivals for the opponents, enabling the club to enter into post-season games.
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