Pirates set team goal: .500 at home

Despite having a horrible season –the Bucs are one pace to lose more than 100 games, the first time to lose that many since 2001– the Pirates still remain positive. They even have a team goal in mind.

After defeating the Cardinals 5-2 on Tuesday, the Pirates home record is 37-39. The goal the Pirates players want to achieve? Finish the season .500 at home.

“It’s been a tough year. Our record is not good,” manager John Russell said. “But to have the opportunity to play .500 or above .500 at home after what we’ve gone through as a team and the struggles we’ve had on the road, it would be a tremendous feather in our team’s hat. I think it would be a great feeling heading into the offseason.”

With five games remaining at PNC Park the Bucs can only lose one more. The Pirates have not had a home winning record since 2006.

“It’s something we’re really focused on,” Russell said. “We’ve been playing pretty well as of late, and if we can make that push and finish up strong this homestand, it gives us something to reflect on.”