Pirates Preview: Keller Looks for Series Split Against Wheeler, Phillies

The Pittsburgh Pirates were walked-off by Nick Castellanos and the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, falling 4-3.

Marco Gonzales delivered another quality start and Oneil Cruz homered, but Jose Hernandez allowed a couple Phillies’ batters to reach and Castellanos came through in the clutch against Roansy Contreras.

The Pirates will have a chance for a series split on Sunday with Mitch Keller on the mound. It will be a tall task against Phillies ace Zack Wheeler.

Sunday’s first pitch is 1:35 ET and the game will be televised on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Weather

A beautiful afternoon for baseball with sunshine, temperatures in the mis-70s and winds blowing WNW at 13-15 mph.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Will Send Out RHP Mitch Keller (1-1, 5.29 ERA)

Keller is coming off of his best start of the season against the Detroit Tigers on Monday at PNC Park.

In that game, the Pirates’ right-hander allowed two runs on five hits in six innings and struck out a season-high nine betters.

Keller struggled in his first two starts to begin the season, allowing eight runs in on 15 hits in 11 innings pitched with only eight strikeouts.

In his career against the Phillies, Keller has struggled. In five starts, he’s 0-3 with a 5.74 ERA.

The Philadelphia Phillies Will Send Out RHP Zack Wheeler (0-2, 1.89 ERA)

Wheeler, who finished sixth in the National League Cy Young race last year, is off to a great start this season.

The right-hander is tied for fourth with Pirates starter Martín Pérez in the National League in ERA. His also tied for sixth with 20 strikeouts.

In his last start against the St. Louis Cardinals, Wheeler went seven innings and allowed three runs on six hits. He had only been charged with one earned run across 12 innings in his first two starts to begin the year.

In seven career starts against the Pirates, Wheeler is a spotless 4-0 with a 2.14 ERA.

Phillies Hitters vs. Keller

• Nick Castellanos: 7 for 24, two doubles, two home runs, five RBIs, three walks, seven strikeouts
• J.T. Realmuto: 5 for 8, one double, one triple, one home run, three RBIs, one walk, one strikeout
• Kyle Schwarber: 5 for 8, three doubles, two RBIs, two walks, one strikeout
• Bryce Harper: 4 for 6, two doubles, one RBI, two strikeouts
• Alec Bohm: 1 for 5
• Trea Turner: 2 for 3, one home run, two RBIs
• Brandon Marsh: 1 for 3, one home run, one walk, two strikeouts
• Bryson Stott: 1 for 3
• Edmundo Sosa: 2 for 2, one home run, two RBIs

Pirates Hitters vs. Wheeler

• Andrew McCutchen: 3 for 15, one double, one home run, three RBIs, one walk, four strikeouts
• Michael A. Taylor: 4 for 7, one double, one walk, one strikeout
• Jack Suwinski: 0 for 5, one strikeout
• Jared Triolo: 1 for 4, one double, one RBI, two strikeouts
• Rowdy Tellez: 0 for 4, three strikeouts
• Joey Bart: 1 for 3, one double, one RBI
• Henry Davis: 0 for 3, two strikeouts
• Ke’Bryan Hayes: 0 for 3, one strikeout
• Connor Joe: 0 for 3, one strikeout

Tidbits

• Marco Gonzales has recorded five consecutive starts allowing two or fewer runs, matching his second-longest streak as a starter and his longest since also going five straight from June 10-July 1, 2022.
• Bryan Reynolds drew three walks in Saturday’s game and is tied for third in the National League with 11 free passes drawn.
• Andrew McCutchen remains one home run shy of reaching 300 in his career.

Links

The Other Side: Tigers’ A.J. Hinch Bullish on Pirates

Pirates Prospect Watch: Bubba Chandler Strikes Out Six

Pirates Fall 4-3 to Phillies After Blown Save, Castellanos Walk-Off

Perrotto: Pirates Only Thing Keeping Paul Skenes Down

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