Pirates

Pirates Preview: Another One Against MLB-Best Braves

Published

8 months ago

September 9, 2023

The Pittsburgh Pirates (65-76) were bested by baseball’s best steam to open the series against the Atlanta Braves (92-48).

The Pirates were outhit 12-6 in their loss, with Mitch Keller allowing all 12.

First pitch is set for 7:20 and the game will be aired on AT&T SportsNet.

Weather

There’s a 40-50% chance of thunderstorms for first pitch in Atlanta. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Will Send Out RHP Johan Oviedo (8-14, 4.27 ERA)

Oviedo was wild in his last start against the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday. The right-hander issued six free passes and allowed five runs (three earned) in 3.2 innings.

His outing before that was his best as a big leaguer. In his last start of August, Oviedo pitched a complete game shutout against the Kansas City Royals.

Oviedo has made one previous appearance against the Braves and tossed 1.2 scoreless innings out of the bullpen.

The Atlanta Braves Will Send Out LHP Dylan Dodd (2-1 7.40 ERA).

This will be Dodd’s first appearance with the Braves since June.

Combined over his last two appearances, he’s allowed nine runs in 9.0 innings pitched and for the year, opponents are hitting .352 against him.

Dodd was a third round pick of the Braves in 2021.

Braves Hitters vs. Oviedo

Orlando Arcia: 2 for 3, one strikeout

Pirates Hitters vs. Dodd

Tidbits

With 191 strikeouts this season, Mitch Keller has the fourth-most in a single season by a Pirates’ right-hander in franchise history. A.J. Burnett (209 Ks in 2013) has the most followed by Gerrit Cole (202, 2015) and Cole again (196, 2017).
Keller’s 12 hits allowed against the Braves on Friday were the most he’s allowed in a start in his career.