The past two seasons have yielded two surprising starts and two bitter disappointments.

Don’t look now, but the Pittsburgh Pirates are playing good baseball again.

After a 1-5 start reminiscent of last year’s final two months of misery, the Buccos have rebounded with a 10-4 stretch, including a recent 7-2 homestand against three of the best teams in the National League.

If the Pirates can continue to pile up victories and put themselves in the thick of the race for a division crown by the All-Star break — much like the past two seasons — many fans will try to keep a level head and brace for another collapse.

Rather than investing passion into a promising Pirates squad for a third straight season, many will simply wait for the bottom to drop out once again.

Part of me doesn’t blame them.

It’s been 20 years — and counting — since the last time the Pirates gave Pittsburgh true reason to believe. That spans more than a lifetime for some faithful Bucco fans.

Even the last successful season ended in heartbreak with a Game 7 loss to Atlanta in the 1992 NLCS.

When the good memories still induce pain, it’s understandable to take a pessimistic stance.

Logic says the Bucs will stumble at some point, but if you’re a fan, don’t let the suspicion stop you from appreciating the present.

Since the bright spots in recent Pittsburgh baseball history are so few and far between, it makes a whole lot more sense to embrace the periods of palatable play.

Starling Marte — starting his first full MLB season — is off to a torrid start, hitting .321 with five doubles, two triples and a homer through 19 games.

The free-swinging youngster has 21 strikeouts to go with his 25 hits, which makes him all the more interesting.

Marte generates excitement every time he steps to the plate.

Marte gives Pittsburgh another five-tool player alongside Andrew McCutchen, who could be a perennial MVP candidate over the next decade.

A stud prospect is always a good reason to watch, but for those who enjoy pitching, the Pittsburgh bullpen — perhaps the biggest question mark heading into the season — has been a beautiful sight.

The Pirates managed to win a 5-3 game after starter Wandy Rodriguez suffered an injury and lasted just 2 1-3 innings.

On Sunday, the Pirates beat the best team in baseball by a 4-2 margin despite receiving only three innings from starter Jonathan Sanchez.

Newly anointed closer Jason Grilli hasn’t allowed a run while converting all eight of his save opportunities.

It might be a mirage. The Pirates could implode come August ... or even next week.

In fact, history says they probably will.

But for the time being, sit back and enjoy the wins while they last.

Jason Orfao is a staff writer for the Butler Eagle.