Pirates

Pirates Preview: Bucs Start Second Half in Battle of Keystone State

Published

6 months ago

July 19, 2024

The Pittsburgh Pirates enter the second half of the season with momentum, winning four of their last six games including a three-game sweep against the Chicago White Sox right before the break.

For the first time since late April, the Pirates (48-48) hold a .500 record.

The Pirates start their second half by hosting the Philadelphia Phillies (62-34), who have the best record in Major League Baseball.

First pitch is set for 6:40 ET and the game will be aired on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Weather

Temperatures in the 80s and sunny skies. Winds N at 6 mph.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Will Send Out RHP Martín Pérez (1-5, 5.15 ERA)

Pérez struggled in his last start against the Brewers, allowing five runs on nine hits in 4.2 innings pitched.

Since returning off the injured list, Pérez has allowed 12 runs in 16 innings pitched.

Though his only win of the season came on the road, Pérez has struggled away from PNC Park this season. He has a 6.44 road ERA this season compared to a 3.89 ERA at home.

In nine career appearances against the Phillies, Pérez is 4-1 with a 2.96 ERA.

The Philadelphia Phillies Will Send Out RHP Aaron Nola (11-4, 3.38 ERA)

Nola enters his start against the Pirates on a good note.

Over his last five starts, the right-hander is 3-1 with a 3.13 ERA and has held opponents to a .212 batting average.

Nola is fourth in baseball this season with 119.2 innings pitched and averages over six innings per outing.

In his career against the Pirates, Nola is 4-3 with a 3.98 ERA in nine starts.

Phillies Hitters vs. Pérez

Alec Bohm: 8 for 16, one home run, five RBIs, three strikeouts
Nick Castellanos: 6 for 16, two doubles, one home run, four RBIs, three walks, two strikeouts
Bryce Harper: 1 for 13, one double, two walks, four strikeouts
Trea Turner: 4 for 12, two doubles, two RBIs
Kyle Schwarber: 1 for 8, one walk, three strikeouts
Cristian Pache: 1 for 7, one strikeout
Edmundo Sosa: 2 for 3, one double, one strikeout
Garrett Stubbs: 1 for 3

Pirates Hitters vs. Nola

Andrew McCutchen: 3 for 19, two doubles, one walk, four strikeouts
Bryan Reynolds: 2 for 15, one home run, one RBI, seven strikeouts
Michael A. Taylor: 4 for 14, one double, one home run, three RBIs, three walks, four strikeouts
Rowdy Tellez: 3 for 11, three strikeouts
Yasmani Grandal: 4 for 9, one triple, two home runs, three RBIs, one walk, one strikeout
Ke’Bryan Hayes: 1 for 9, one home run, three RBIs, three strikeouts
Jack Suwinski: 2 for 6, one double, one strikeout
Joshua Palacios: 0 for 4, one strikeout
Jared Triolo: 0 for 4, two walks, one strikeout
Oneil Cruz: 0 for 3, one strikeout