Pirates vs Braves: A Tale of Two Rivalries

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Atlanta Braves are two of the most storied franchises in all of baseball. They have a long and bitter rivalry that dates back to the 1800s.

The Early Years

The Pirates and Braves first met in 1887, when the Braves were still known as the Boston Beaneaters. The Pirates won the first game, 6-3, and the rivalry has been going strong ever since.

In the early years, the Pirates and Braves were evenly matched. They both had their share of success, and they both had their share of heartbreak.

The 1990s: The Braves' Dynasty

The 1990s was a decade of dominance for the Braves. They won 14 division titles, five National League pennants, and one World Series championship (in 1995).

During this time, the Pirates were struggling. They had only one winning season in the 1990s, and they finished last in their division seven times.

The 2000s: The Pirates' Resurgence

The Pirates began to turn things around in the 2000s. They made the playoffs three times, and they won their first division title since 1992.

The Braves, on the other hand, struggled in the 2000s. They only made the playoffs once, and they lost in the first round.

The 2010s: The Rivalry Heats Up Again

The Pirates and Braves have been evenly matched in the 2010s. They have both made the playoffs multiple times, and they have both won division titles.

In 2013, the Pirates swept the Braves in the National League Division Series. It was the first time that the Pirates had swept a playoff series since 1979.

In 2015, the Braves won the National League East, and they defeated the Pirates in the National League Wild Card Game.

The Future of the Rivalry

The Pirates and Braves are both young teams with a lot of potential. They are both expected to be contenders for years to come.

The rivalry between the Pirates and Braves is one of the most passionate in all of baseball. It is a rivalry that is sure to continue for many years to come.

The Stats

The Pirates and Braves have played 2,317 games against each other, with the Braves holding a 1,212-1,105 record.

The Pirates have won 11 division titles, five National League pennants, and two World Series championships.

The Braves have won 17 division titles, five National League pennants, and one World Series championship.

The Tables

Table 1: Head-to-Head Record

Table 2: Division Titles

Table 3: World Series Championships

The Stories

Story 1: The Brawl

In 1991, the Pirates and Braves were involved in a bench-clearing brawl. The brawl started when Braves pitcher John Smoltz hit Pirates batter Barry Bonds with a pitch.

Bonds charged the mound, and the two players started fighting. Soon, both benches emptied and the brawl spilled out onto the field.

The brawl lasted for several minutes, and it took several police officers to break it up.

What We Learn: Baseball is a passionate game, and sometimes things can get out of hand.

Story 2: The Sweep

In 2013, the Pirates swept the Braves in the National League Division Series. It was the first time that the Pirates had swept a playoff series since 1979.

The Pirates won the first game of the series, 6-2. They then won the second game, 7-4.

In the third game of the series, the Pirates clinched the sweep with a 4-1 victory.

What We Learn: Anything is possible in the playoffs.

Story 3: The Comeback

In 2015, the Braves won the National League East, and they defeated the Pirates in the National League Wild Card Game.

The Braves trailed the Pirates, 3-1, in the bottom of the ninth inning. But the Braves rallied to score two runs and tie the game.

In the bottom of the 10th inning, A.J. Pierzynski hit a walk-off home run to give the Braves the win.

What We Learn: Never give up.

The How-To

How to Watch the Pirates vs Braves

There are several ways to watch the Pirates vs Braves. You can watch the game on TV, online, or on the radio.

To watch the game on TV, you can tune in to AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh or Fox Sports Southeast.

To watch the game online, you can go to MLB.tv.

To listen to the game on the radio, you can tune in to KDKA-AM 1020 or 92.9 The Game.

The Pros and Cons

Pros of Watching the Pirates vs Braves

• It's a great rivalry.
• The games are always exciting.
• The fans are passionate.

Cons of Watching the Pirates vs Braves

• The games can be long.
• The tickets can be expensive.
• The parking can be a nightmare.

The FAQs

FAQ 1: Who has the better record?

The Braves have the better record, with a 1,212-1,105 record against the Pirates.

FAQ 2: Who has won more division titles?

The Braves have won more division titles, with 17 titles to the Pirates' 11 titles.

FAQ 3: Who has won more World Series championships?

The Pirates have won more World Series championships, with two titles to the Braves' one title.

FAQ 4: What is the most memorable game between the Pirates and Braves?

The most memorable game between the Pirates and Braves is probably the 1991 National League Championship Series, which the Braves won in seven games.

FAQ 5: Who is the best player in Pirates history?

The best player in Pirates history is probably Roberto Clemente.

FAQ 6: Who is the best player in Braves history?

The best player in Braves history is probably Hank Aaron.

FAQ 7: What is the Pirates' mascot?

The Pirates' mascot is Pirate Parrot.

FAQ 8: What is the Braves' mascot?

The Braves' mascot is Blooper.