Pirates Fans Optimistic Ahead Of 5-Game Series Against Cardinals
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Pirates fever is sweeping across the city as their five-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals gets underway at PNC Park tonight.
For many fans, this series is the chance for the Pirates to either shine or take a beating and kiss the season goodbye.
Fans will be there in support and are optimistic, but Cardinals fans have also invaded our city.
In years past, by now the Steelers would take the spotlight. This year, the Pirates are still very relevant and about to take on their toughest challenge of the season.
"It's the biggest series of the year. And I can't make it to training camp so I [have to] root for my second favorite team," Ed Heard said.
"I think this is almost a make it-or-break it. If they go into a real long losing streak, then this is going to affect the team a lot," John Jacobs said.
"We're not ready to lose. We're coming here to take four out of five, if not five out of five," Kevin Block, a Cardinals fan, said.
Cardinals fans have descended upon Pittsburgh to representing the number one team in the National League and the Central Division. Pittsburgh only trails by 1.5 games, but St. Louis is not ready to give up first place.
"I don't think it breaks us. It could break you guys, cause you guys, in the last 20 years haven't really been above .500. I'm being honest here. This is your chance to make a name for yourself and not fade. Normally, by the end of July, beginning of August, you guys start to do your fade. So, if you're not going to fade, this is your chance to prove that you're not going to fade," Block said.
Pirates fans know the importance and say if the boys make it through, it will be smooth sailing to the playoffs.
"This will build the momentum, absolutely. And they'll be no stopping us," Heard said.
"I hope so. I really do. I think it is. And I think that we could go to the playoffs," Jacobs said.
Fans will get to see two games tomorrow night during a double-header that makes up for a rainout when the teams met in April.
The five-game series wraps up on Thursday, but the Pirates will stay home to play the Colorado Rockies and Miami Marlins.
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