Pirates fans lose faith fast

• Pirates fans reported losing hope after an average of seven straight losses — or two games quicker than the national average of nine consecutive losses.

The fine print: The poll only reflects responses from 2,000 people.

Zoom in: Among all MLB fanbases, A's fans lose faith quickest, after an average of five losses.

• Tampa Bay Rays fans are most patient, only worrying after 13 consecutive defeats.
• Phillies fans lose hope after nine losses, Guardians fans after 11 losses, and Tigers fans after 10 losses.

By the numbers: Last year, the Pirates had their sixth straight losing season and the 28th in 32 years — renewing fans' calls for owner Bob Nutting to sell the team.

• The Pirates' franchise record of 23 straight defeats was in 1890 when the team was still called the Pittsburgh Alleghenys.

The bottom line: Spring training is in full swing, and plenty of fans remain optimistic that ace pitcher Paul Skenes can help turn things around.