2013 NLDS Comeback vs Cardinals
The 2013 Pirates ended a 20-year losing streak, clinched a Wild Card berth, and advanced to the NLDS before falling to the eventual champion St. Louis Cardinals.
The 2013 Pittsburgh Pirates season was the franchise's 127th season as a member of the National League, 132nd season overall, and 13th season at PNC Park. The regular season began at home with a loss against the Chicago Cubs on April 1 and ended with a win at Great American Ball Park against the Cincinnati Reds on September 29. In their first winning season since 1992, the Pirates finished in second place in the National League Central with 94 wins and 68 losses. They advanced to the NLDS before losing to the eventual NL champion St. Louis Cardinals.
Quick Facts
- Series
- 2013 NLDS (best of 5)
- Opponent
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Result
- Pirates won 3–2, trailing 0–2
- Defining player
- Pedro Alvarez (batting); A.J. Burnett (pitching)
- Next round
- Advanced to the 2013 NLCS
- Format
- 2-2-1 (Cardinals held home for Games 1, 2, 5)
Lore & Background
The Pirates earned their 82nd win of the season on September 9, ensuring the team's first winning season since 1992 and ending the longest stretch of losing seasons—20—in North American professional sports history. Although the St. Louis Cardinals won the NL Central Division, the Pirates clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 1992 in one of two NL Wild Card spots on September 23. In the NLWC Game, the Pirates secured their first postseason win since Game 6 of the 1992 NLCS by defeating the Cincinnati Reds. In doing so, the team advanced to the NLDS, where they were defeated in five games by the eventual National League champion Cardinals, eliminating them from the 2013 postseason.
Did You Know?
- Five members of the 2013 Pirates were selected to the National League All-Star team: Pedro Álvarez, Jason Grilli, Jeff Locke, Andrew McCutchen, and Mark Melancon.
- Andrew McCutchen was named NL Most Valuable Player in 2013.
- Francisco Liriano was named NL Comeback Player of the Year in 2013.
- Pedro Álvarez tied for first place in home runs hit in the National League at 36.
- Clint Hurdle won the 2013 NL Manager of the Year Award.
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