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Bucs get prolonged break from division foes
- Updated: May 16, 2016
PITTSBURGH — The Pirates began a 10-game homestand Monday night against the Braves, one of two extended stays they’ll enjoy at PNC Park this season. As manager Clint Hurdle said, it’s “a nice opportunity for us to unpack our bags.”
It’s also a good chance for the Bucs to get away from the National League Central for a little while. After Pittsburgh played 23 of its first 36 games within the NL Central, Monday marked the start of a 24-game stretch against non-division competition.
Last year, getting away from four familiar faces — the Brewers, Cardinals, Cubs and Reds — was good for the Pirates. They finished 2015 with a 34-42 divisional record and romped to a 64-22 mark against the rest of the league.
Hurdle couldn’t put a finger on one particular reason for the Pirates’ recent success against non-NL Central clubs.
“Our scouts do an extremely good job. It’s our execution that gets in the way sometimes,” Hurdle said. “We get very good reads on teams. … …
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