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5 reasons the Pittsburgh Pirates will win the World Series in 2015

By Connor Muldowney

Aug 16, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Joakim Soria (38) and catcher Chris Stewart (19) celebrate after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Pirates defeated the Mets 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 16, 2015; New York City, NY, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Joakim Soria (38) and catcher Chris Stewart (19) celebrate after defeating the New York Mets at Citi Field. The Pirates defeated the Mets 8-1. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 12, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 12, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws the ball against the St. Louis Cardinals during the second inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Gerrit Cole

There’s a reason the Pirates have the second-best ERA and are tied for the eighth-most quality starts in baseball this season, and it’s because of the strong showing of 24-year-old ace Gerrit Cole.

The third-year pitcher out of UCLA has been as close to dominant as a starting pitcher can be this season, racking up a 14-7 record with a 2.61 ERA and 154 strikeouts. He clearly leads the way for the rest of the starters.

Having a mentor like A.J. Burnett has helped Cole mature as a leader, but with the veteran pitcher’s absence due to injury, the young star is going to need to step up and really make his mark on the team’s overall record.

How much effect can a pitcher have on a team when he plays just once every five days? Well, Cole has given his team the best opportunity to win each start he has appeared in. The Pirates are 16-8 during his starts and in those eight losses, Cole surrendered three earned runs or less six times — very impressive stat.

It’s obvious that Gerrit Cole is becoming a premier starter in this league, and every solid World Series team needs an ace to lead the way.

I’m going to go out on a limb and say that if the Pirates end up winning it all, it’s going to be because of the arm of this kid.

Next: 2. Home Field Advantage

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