Pirates

Pirates Preview: Bucs Go for Season Sweep Over Marlins

Published

4 weeks ago

September 11, 2024

The Pittsburgh Pirates downed the Miami Marlins 6-4 at PNC Park on Tuesday night.

It was a bullpen game for the Pirates, who used seven different pitchers with Joey Wentz getting his first win with the team. Andrew McCutchen took some stress off the bullpen by hitting a three-run home run to help ensure a victory.

In the series finale on Wednesday, the Pirates (69-76) will go for the seven-game season sweep over the Marlins (54-91) and their eighth-straight win against Miami dating back to last season.

First pitch is set for 12:35 ET and the game will be aired on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Weather

Sunny with temperatures in the low-80s. Winds ENE at 5 mph.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Will Send Out LHP Bailey Falter (7-7, 4.45 ERA)

Falter was victorious in his last start against the Washington Nationals at PNC Park. He allowed three runs in the first inning but proceeded to throw four-scoreless after that.

The 27-year-old has been shaky of late. Over his last five starts, he owns a 6.85 ERA despite a 2-0 record and a 3.69 FIP. Opponents have hit .357 against him over that stretch.

Surprisingly, left-handers (.277) have a higher batting average against Falter this season than right-handers (.267), but righties have done more damage in terms of power (.438 slug vs. .396).

Falter has faced the Marlins seven times in his career and is 2-0 with a 5.73 ERA. He allowed six runs in four innings in his first start of the season in Miami.

The Miami Marlins Will Send Out LHP Jonathan Bermúdez (0-0, 5.79)

Bermúdez will make his first-career start and third appearance when he takes the mound on Wednesday. Opponents have slashed a robust .400/.429/.650 against him in his brief showing.

In 20 appearances/17 starts between Double-A and Triple-A this season, Bermúdez went 4-6 with a 3.48 ERA and struck out 98 batters in 98.1 innings.

The left-hander throws a four-seamer, sweeper, changeup and slider. He throws his fastball almost half the time.

This will be the first time Bermúdez has faced Pittsburgh.

Marlins Hitters vs. Falter

Nick Fortes: 0 for 5
Jake Burger: 2 for 4, one home run, four RBIs, one walk
David Hensley: 1 for 2, one double

Pirates Hitters vs. Bermúdez

Tidbits

Andrew McCutchen’s home run was his 20th of the season, giving him eight seasons with 20-plus homers with the Pirates. Only Willie Stargell (15 such seasons) has more.
It’s also marks the 10th season McCutchen has hit 20-plus homers, making him one of five active players to do so along with Giancarlo Stanton, Paul Goldschmidt, Freddie Freeman and Bryce Harper.
Over his last 32 games, Andrew McCutchen is slashing .288/.372/.559 with eight doubles, eight home runs and 25 RBIs.