PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates began this season feeling more optimistic than most outside the organization about their chances of reaching the postseason. After a hot start, and again after their 11-game winning streak in July, they had reason to believe in this year's team.
But a slow August prompted the Pirates to shift their focus toward next year, and whatever hopes they had for this season were officially dashed after a mistake-filled, 13-6 loss to the Brewers on Sunday afternoon at PNC Park. The defeat eliminated the Bucs from the postseason race after the Cardinals beat the Giants.