Derek Shelton wasn’t given an easy job.
Pittsburgh is a town that demands winning from their sports franchises. You can see why, when you go back and watch the walk-off home run from Carlos Santana on Friday night. Watch the crowd celebrate. Where else in Pittsburgh are you going to find that type of energy when Taylor Swift isn’t in town?
Even on a night where the Pirates lose 11-8, after coming back from 11-1, PNC Park provides momentary escapes. Those moments can be fleeting. Eventually, Pittsburgh wants a winner. They want a team where they know they can pay to go to the park and at least see a competitive game.