Pirates

Pirates Preview: Domingo Germán Gets First Start in Rubber Match

Published

2 months ago

August 21, 2024

The Pittsburgh Pirates bounced back after dropping the series opener with a 4-0 shutout win over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.

Mitch Keller earned his first win in over a month after tossing seven-shutout innings and Bryan De La Cruz ripped a two-run single to lift Pittsburgh to a win.

The Pirates (59-66) will look to take the series against the Rangers (58-69) as right-hander Domingo Germán makes his first start in the black and gold.

First pitch is set for 2:35 ET and the game will be aired on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Weather

Globe Life Field is protected by a roof so weather won’t be a factor.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Will Send Out RHP Domingo Germán (0-0, 3.00 ERA)

Germán has made three relief appearances with the Pirates since he was selected from Triple-A Indianapolis on Aug. 9.

In total, Germán has logged six innings and allowed three runs on two hits, three walks and four strikeouts. He also hit a pair of batters in his last appearance on Saturday at PNC Park.

Germán has relied primarily on his four-seam fastball with the Pirates. He also throws a heavy dosage of curveballs, a changeup and the occasional sinker.

In three previous starts against Texas, Germán is 1-2 with a 6.00 ERA.

The Texas Rangers Will Send Out LHP Andrew Heaney (4-13, 4.20 ERA)

Heaney hasn’t pitched as poorly this season as his dreadful record would indicate. In addition to his ERA, he supports a 4.08 FIP on the year.

With that being said, it’s been a struggle for Heaney of late. Over his last five starts, he is 0-3 with a 6.66 ERA (18er/24.1ip).

Heaney is a fastball pitcher and also features a slider and changeup while mixing in a curveball every once in a while.

He has yet to face the Pirates, the only team he’s never pitched against.

Rangers Hitters vs. Germán

Marcus Semien: 6 for 16, two doubles, one home run, three RBIs, one walk, two strikeouts
Robbie Grossman: 2 for 6, one home run, one RBI, two walks, three strikeouts
Nathaniel Lowe: 1 for 6, two walks
Adolis García: 1 for 5, one strikeout
Jonah Heim: 2 for 4, one home run, one RBI, one strikeout
Corey Seager: 0 for 3, one strikeout

Pirates Hitters vs. Heaney

Isiah Kiner-Falefa: 5 for 21, one double, two RBIs, two walks, two strikeouts
Michael A. Taylor: 4 for 9, two home runs, two RBIs, three strikeouts
Yasmani Grandal: 2 for 6, one walk, one strikeout
Bryan De La Cruz: 1 for 5, one strikeout
Rowdy Tellez: 1 for 5, one home run, three RBIs, two strikeouts
Joey Bart: 0 for 4, two strikeouts

Tidbits

Mitch Keller struck out nine batters on Tuesday which matched his season-high. Keller struck out nine against the Detroit Tigers in April.
Oneil Cruz finished 2 for 3 with a triple, an RBI, a stolen base and an intentional walk. He’s reached base safely in 12-straight games.
While Cruz’s streak continued, Joey Bart’s 16-game on-base streak ended with an 0 for 4 night. t was the second-longest streak by a Pirate this season.