CHICAGO -- The Pirates' unexpectedly hot start provided them with margin for error. They could, and did, withstand a handful of short skids during the first two months of the season. But this sustained stretch of losing, which continued with Friday afternoon's 3-1 defeat at Wrigley Field, has pulled that cushion out from under them.
Only three weeks ago, the Pirates woke up nine games over .500 and sitting in first place in the National League Central. But Pittsburgh lost on Friday for the 15th time in 20 games to fall below .500 for the first time this season.