The Bucs were 2.5 games back in the NL Central on July 12th. 12 days later and they're 7.5 back in the division and have the second worst record in the entire National League.
There are plenty of reasons why. Here's a big one: Josh Bell is hitting like last season's Josh Bell. Ruh roh 'Raggy!
Since the break, Josh Bell has just six hits in 36 at-bats. That's a batting average of .166. That's horrendous. Bell entered the All-Star festivities with 27 home runs and 84 RBI. Half a month later and Bell has 27 home runs and 86 RBI.
In a "pennant race," you need your best players to play like it. Josh Bell has done the opposite. The Pirates are sunk.