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In spoiler role, Bucs motivated by strong finish
- Updated: October 1, 2016
ST. LOUIS — Even with the postseason out of the question and the offseason only three days away, manager Clint Hurdle isn’t worried about the Pirates kicking up their feet and taking it easy this weekend.
The Pirates have a chance to directly affect the National League Wild Card race as they wrap up the regular season with three games against the Cardinals at Busch Stadium. The Cards entered Friday’s opener one game behind the Giants and two behind the Mets in the NL Wild Card standings. With an elimination number of three, St. Louis is essentially playing a series of three must-win games.
Since they were mathematically eliminated, several Pirates have talked about the opportunity to play spoiler, to keep a division rival out of the playoffs. Hurdle believes that won’t be the only motivating factor for the Bucs in their final series.
“They want to play. They want to play well,” Hurdle said. “One of the things I’ve shared with every team I’ve ever had: For me, it’s really simple. There is a name on the front of the jersey, and there’s a name on the back of the jersey — and you go represent both. That’s it. That’s where it starts. It doesn’t matter if it’s …
