Raise It! Pittsburgh giddy – and relieved – as playoff-bound Pirates steal spotlight

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Pittsburgh is embracing the playoff-bound Pirates.

Postseason merchandise flew off the shelves at the team’s store inside PNC Park on Tuesday, hours after the Pirates clinched their first playoff berth since 1992. The 2-1 victory over the Cubs was sweet validation for a fan base that hasn’t seen a winning season since George H.W. Bush was president.

At a time of year when the city’s attention usually turns to the Steelers, the Pirates are the ones generating headlines. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin even sent a congratulatory message to Pirates manager Clint Hurdle, urging Hurdle and the Pirates to ride their momentum all the way to the World Series.

Pittsburgh hasn’t won it all since 1979. After such a long drought, fans say they’re just trying to enjoy the ride.

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The Associated Press

Will Graves

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