Pirates Preview: Can Bucs Complete Sweep to Conclude First Half?

Published

6 months ago

July 14, 2024

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Chicago White Sox 6-2 in the middle game a of a three-game set on Satuday afternoon.

Bryan Reynolds collected four hits and drove in four runs and Luis Ortiz allowed one run in 5.2 innings in his third start of the season.

The Pirates (47-48) will look to complete the sweep and get back to .500 in the first-half finale against the White Sox (27-70) on Sunday afternoon.

First pitch is set for 2:10 ET and the game will be aired on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Early storms should give way to sunny skies and hot temperatures for game time. Winds SSW at 16 mph.

Keller is coming off of an eight-inning start in which he allowed two runs against the New York Mets at PNC Park.

It was a strong bounce-back performance for Keller, who had allowed 10 runs (eight earned) in 10.2 innings over his previous two starts.

Keller enters his start on Sunday having gone at least five innings in 49-straight starts, the second-longest streak in franchise history.

This will be Keller’s first time facing the White Sox.

This will be Shuster’s 21st appearance of the season but only his second start.

Shuster’s one previous start this year came on the Fourth of July in Cleveland. He allowed two runs on four hits in two-plus innings.

Last season, in his rookie year, Shuster made 11 appearances (all starts) with the Atlanta Braves and went 4-3 with a 5.81 ERA.

He pitched a scoreless inning against the Pirates last year.

Mitch Keller’s stretch of 49-straight starts in which he’s pitched at least five innings is tied with A.J. Burnett and trails only Wilbur Cooper (66).
The White Sox are one of two teams Keller hasn’t faced in his career. The other is the Texas Rangers.
The Pirates have not been .500 since they were 14-14 on Apr. 27.