Pirates

Pirates Preview: Jared Jones Looks to Even Series vs. Cardinals

Published

7 months ago

July 3, 2024

Pittsburgh Pirates Jared Jones pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies, Thursday, April 11, 2024, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

The Pittsburgh Pirates were defeated 7-4 by the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday night in the first of a seven-game homestand at PNC Park.

Mitch Keller was roughed up for six runs (five earned) in five innings pitched. At the plate, Jack Suwinski went 3 for 3 with a three-run home run.

The Pirates (40-44) will attempt to even the series against the Cardinals (44-40) behind Jared Jones on Wednesday night.

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

Weather

Sunny skies with temperatures in the upper-80’s. Winds SSW at 9 mph.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Will Send Out RHP Jared Jones (5-6, 3.66 ERA)

Jones matched his career-high in his last start by tossing seven innings against the Tampa Bay Rays. He held Tampa to two runs on three hits and struck out eight batters.

The results were exactly what the rookie needed. In his last seven starts entering his latest, Jones had a 4.97 ERA.

Jones is tied for the rookie lead with nine quality starts this season. He’s second with 93 strikeouts and has totaled the second-most innings with 86.

This will be his first start against the division-rival Cardinals.

The St. Louis Cardinals Will Send Out RHP Miles Mikolas (6-7, 5.32 ERA)

Mikolas was knocked around his last time out against the Reds last week. The veteran allowed 10 runs (nine earned) on 12 hits with only one strikeout in 4.1 innings pitched.

After a slow start tot he season, Mikolas turned things around before back-to-back subpar showings. From May 12 to June 16, he posted a 2.57 ERA but has been charged with 13 earned runs over his last 10.1 innings.

Opponents have hit .271 with a .774 OPS against him. Though he features excellent control, he also doesn’t strike many batters out.

Mikolas faced the Pirates on June 11 and tossed seven-shutout innings. He’s faced the Pirates more than any other team in his career and is 5-6 with a 2.90 ERA in 22 appearances.

Cardinals Hitters vs. Jones

Pirates Hitters vs. Mikolas

Bryan Reynolds: 13 for 36, four doubles, one triple, four RBIs, one walk, four strikeouts
Andrew McCutchen: 2 for 22, three strikeouts
Rowdy Tellez: 6 for 20, one double, one home run, two RBIs, two walks, one strikeout
Ke’Bryan Hayes: 8 for 19, one double, one triple, two strikeouts
Jack Suwinski: 3 for 13, one double, one walk, six strikeouts
Oneil Cruz: 2 for 7, one double, one triple, two RBIs, three strikeouts
Michael A. Taylor: 1 for 6, one strikeout
Yasmani Grandal: 0 for 6, one walk, three strikeouts

Tidbits

Jack Suwinski’s three-hit game was his first of the season and first since last year on July 24 against the Padres.
Six runs against Mitch Keller are the most he’s allowed in a game since he was tagged for seven runs against the Cubs last season on Sept. 20.
Andrew McCutchen’s home run on Tuesday was his 590th extra-base hit with the Pirates. That ties him for sixth place on the franchise list with Max Carey.