The 2013 Pirates Playoff Run
The 2013 Pirates ended a 20-year losing streak and returned to the postseason as a Wild Card, falling to the Cardinals in the NLDS.
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
- Season record
- 94-68
- Division title
- National League Central
- Manager
- Clint Hurdle
- Playoff opponent
- St. Louis Cardinals
- Series result
- Lost NLDS in 5 games
- Key mvp candidate
- Andrew McCutchen (NL MVP)
- Home venue
- PNC Park
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.
Reader's Guide
The Pirates finished the regular season with a win–loss record of 94–68, finishing second in the NL Central behind the St. Louis Cardinals. They clinched a playoff berth as an NL Wild Card on September 23. In the NL Wild Card Game, they defeated the Cincinnati Reds to advance to the NLDS, where they lost to the Cardinals in five games.
Did You Know?
- Five members of the 2013 Pirates were selected to the National League All-Star team, the most since 1972.
- Andrew McCutchen was named NL Most Valuable Player for the 2013 season.
- Francisco Liriano was named NL Comeback Player of the Year.
- Pedro Álvarez tied for first place in home runs hit in the National League at 36.
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