Hurdle, Pirates well aware of season's accomplishments

PITTSBURGH -- Neither Clint Hurdle nor his players bury their heads in the sand in regard to what they've accomplished this season. It's not as if the Pirates are unaware that they've won eight straight games entering Sunday, or that they have the best record in baseball.

"We talk about everything. We talk about some of those streaks, just because that's the kind of guy I am," Hurdle said. "We're on a road. I want them to enjoy the scenery. Not just put blinders on and drive fast to get there."

A win Sunday would make the Pirates 51-30, tying a franchise best through 81 games. The other teams to do it? The 1971 World Series champions and the '72 National League East winners.

"There's some mile markers that we need to enjoy along the way," said Hurdle, who evaluates everything in a season in quarters. "We're in the right line, but we've still got some miles to travel."