PITTSBURGH -- The Pirates were in a good place heading into Philadelphia last Thursday, riding an all-around, 10-2 drubbing of the Rockies and a 12-6 record into a four-game road series -- their annual "Dads Trip," no less -- against their cross-state rivals.
But they were thoroughly beaten and swept by the Phillies. They were outscored, 18-5. They struggled offensively, defensively and, at times, on the mound. After Monday's off-day at home, manager Clint Hurdle chose to look on the bright side.
"Sometimes you win. Sometimes you learn.