Pirates slotted into top ten after a rollercoaster week of divisional results

Pirates slotted into top ten after a rollercoaster week of divisional results

Pittsburgh couldn't get much of anything going against the Cardinals, who have been one of the most surprising teams this season. They were swept in the four-game series, but recovered against the Reds.

They were able to deliver a three-game sweep against Cincinnati. They could have been bumped down in the latest power rankings, but Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller is high on this team, bumping them up one spot to No. 8.

"With the Pirates, though, it just kind of makes sense to slot them directly behind the team who swept them. Prior to Sunday's 1-0 win over the Reds, the Buccos had one heck of a week at the plate, triple-slashing .313/.406/.516 in those first six games with eight different players homering."

Now, the Pirates have a good opportunity to keep climbing in those rankings. They have a series with the Arizona Diamondbacks early this week before taking on the struggling San Francisco Giants over the weekend. Then, a series with the Colorado Rockies, and then one against the Philadelphia Phillies.

More MLB news:

• Athletics maintain their rank despite significant home pitching struggles
• Guardians rise in latest power rankings behind red-hot Chase DeLauter
• Cardinals turn heads after dominating the defending World Series champs
• Reds slide down the rankings after a dismal road trip against the Pirates
• White Sox find an unlikely home run hero from their backup catcher