Pirates

Pirates Preview: Chance to Break Out Brooms vs. Cardinals Again

Published

8 months ago

August 23, 2023

Andrew McCutchen, Bryan Reynolds, Pittsburgh Pirates

Andrew McCutchen’s two-run home run capped off a five-run fifth inning for the Pittsburgh Pirates (57-69) to carry them to a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals (55-72) on Tuesday night.

McCutchen’s home run off of Adam Wainwright was the 299th of his 15-year-career.

With the win, the Pirates have a chance to complete a three-game sweep over the Cardinals for the second time this year on Wednesday afternoon.

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

Weather

Expect cloudy skies and temperatures in the mid-70s around first pitch. Winds light and variable.

The Pirates Will Send Out RHP Luis Ortiz (2-3, 4.86 ERA)

This will be the first start with the Pirates for Ortiz since they optioned the right-hander to Triple-A Indianapolis on June 4.

Ortiz threw an eight-inning gem against the Miami Marlins on June 23, but combined to surrender 10 runs in 8.0 innings pitched in his final two starts prior to being sent back to Indianapolis.

With Indianapolis after being optioned, Ortiz posted a 7.77 ERA in six starts and struck out 25 batters in 24.1 innings.

Ortiz has faced the Cardinals twice in his brief career and has allowed seven runs in only 2.2 innings pitched (23.63 ERA).

The Cardinals Will Send Out LHP Zack Thompson (2-5, 3.90 ERA)

Thompson will be making just his third start for the Cardinals this season, but his 19th appearance overall.

In his last outing on Friday against the New York Mets, Thompson was the starter and allowed two runs across 5.0 innings, though he took the loss as St. Louis fell 7-1.

The left-hander has been pitching well of late for the Cardinals and carries a 2.25 ERA (4er/16.0ip) over his last five appearances (two starts).

Thompson has made six appearances against the Pirates — the most he’s had vs. any one team — and is 1-0 with a 4.38 ERA.

Cardinals Hitters vs. Ortiz

Nolan Arenado: 1 for 2, one strikeout
Willson Contreras: 1 for 1, one home run, one RBI

Pirates Hitters vs. Thompson

Bryan Reynolds: 3 for 6, one double, one home run, one RBI, one walk, one strikeout
Ke’Bryan Hayes: 1 for 3, one RBI
Alfonso Rivas: 1 for 3, one strikeout
Jack Suwinski: 0 for 3, one walk, two strikeouts

Tidbits

McCutchen needs one more home run to become the 12th active player with 300+ home runs in their career.
With their win on Tuesday, the Pirates improved to 7-2 against the Cardinals on the year and have won five in a row against them.
The Pirates swept the Cardinals in three games at PNC Park from June 2-4. The Bucs have won six in a row and seven of their last eight against St. Louis in Pittsburgh dating back to last season.