CINCINNATI -- The Pirates were able to stave off loss No. 82 for longer than many expected coming into the year, but hit the tragic number Sunday at Great American BallPark, losing 4-2.
With the loss, the Pirates are officially eliminated from postseason contention and clinched their fifth losing season. It is also their 27th losing season in their last 31 years.
But at the risk of devaluing another season of more losses than wins, there doesn't seem to be as gloomy as years past. Almost all of the talk this past week has been centered around the team taking the next step forward and competing in 2024.