Pirates follow hot start with historically bad stretch

The Pirates were one of the hottest teams in the MLB through the first month of the season, but they've been ice cold since the start of May, and the team might be having its worst stretch in 35 years.

After starting the year 20-8, Pittsburgh has gone 1-8 since. The Pirates' losing streak as been fueled by their inability to score.

Pittsburgh has scored two or less runs in nine straight games and has been outscored 54 to 12 over that stretch. It's something the team hasn't done since 1988.

The Pirates were swept by the Rays (29-8), who are arguably the best team in the league, to start the stretch. But they have since been swept by the Blue Jays (21-15) and split with the Rockies (15-22).

Of course, Pittsburgh is dealing with its fair share of injuries and is certainly missing the likes of Oneil Cruz (60-day injured list), but the team needs to find its way back into the win column as its lead in the NL Central is shrinking.

Luckily, both the Brewers (20-16) and Cubs (17-19) lost on Tuesday, but their next two opponents combine for a record of 29-44 while the Pirates head to Baltimore to face the 23-13 Orioles.

Pittsburgh will take the field Wednesday in the series finale against the Rockies hoping to win its first series since April against the Nationals.