San Francisco Giants Begin Decisive 4-Game Series with Pirates

After the last two losses the San Francisco Giants posted up, I’m at a loss for words. This weekend’s series could decide the 2018 season for this team.

The reigning World Champion Astros did what playoff teams are supposed to do, while the Giants sat idly and watched it all burn down.

OK … perhaps I’m being slightly dramatic, but the Giants were swept at home for the first time this season. In both games against the Astros, they carried leads into the late innings and failed to maintain them. They have a day off before they play against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Pirates haven’t started off August much better, and like the Giants, they are floating around .500. Acquiring starter Chris Archer, the Pirates are aiming for a run at the Wild Card, although a division title isn’t completely unattainable.

They feature a lineup of pretty average hitters, with Gregory Polanco leading the team in home runs (19) and RBI (63).

The Giants will play this series without Brandon Belt, who might return as early as next week. Chase d’Arnaud is also a big concern, after fouling a ball off his knee. The Pirates could be without Josh Bell for a part of this series with his oblique strain.

As we approach the end of the season, we know that injuries become more and more rampant as players become fatigued. The Giants have managed to stay afloat regardless of all the injuries they endured this season.

Either way, the Pirates present an interesting ordeal for the Giants, who need to focus on not beating themselves.