Pirates’ playoff run receiving boost from Cutch

MILWAUKEE — As the Pirates gear up for a playoff push, they may be getting a return to form from Andrew McCutchen.

If Thursday’s game against the Brewers was any indication, the Pirates could be getting the McCutchen of the past seven years. McCutchen homered and laced two singles to the right side of second base, including his 10th-inning game-winning hit 105.6 mph off the bat, according to Statcast™.

“I hit it pretty hard,” McCutchen said. “I’m just taking what they give me. If they give me a pitch away, I want to hit it over there. If they have a shift on, I’m a guy that hits the ball to all parts of the field. That’s starting to show a lot more. I’m not just going to pull it.”

As McCutchen noted after the game, the Brewers’ infield was shifting against him in both at bats. And both times, McCutchen beat the shift.

The Brewers varied their shifts against McCutchen last night, and he still beat them. Shown: 3rd and 10th inning 1Bs pic.twitter.com/nhx4eZZ2st

– Curt Hogg (@CyrtHogg) August 26, 2016

The Brewers varied their shifts against McCutchen last night, and he still beat them. Shown: 3rd and 10th inning 1Bs pic.twitter.com/nhx4eZZ2st

Those singles could represent a reason to be optimistic. Not only has he improved drastically with his …

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