Pirates

Pirates Preview: Mitch Keller Looking for Elusive 2nd Win in Series Finale at Wrigley

Published

4 weeks ago

June 15, 2025

Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) throws against a San Diego Padres batter in the first inning of a baseball game, Friday, May 30, 2025, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)

The Pittsburgh Pirates failed to capitalize on another strong pitching performance in their 2-1 loss to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday afternoon.

Mike Burrows held the Cubs to one run in 5.1 innings, but the Pirates’ offense couldn’t do much of anything in the loss.

The Pirates (29-43) will look to draw even in the series finale against the Cubs (43-28) on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

First pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 93.7 The Fan.

Weather

Mx of cloud and sun with temperatures in the mid 70s. Winds NE at 9 mph.

RHP Mitch Keller (1-9, 4.15 ERA) Will Start for the Pirates

Keller delivered a quality start by allowing three runs in 6.0 innings against the Marlins at PNC Park on Tuesday night.

The right-hander has gone at least 6.0 innings in each of his last seven starts but is 0-6 during that stretch. He’s gone 6.0-plus innings in 11 of his 14 starts this season.

Since allowing a season-high seven runs against the Yankees on Apr. 4, Keller has a 3.72 ERA and a 3.28 FIP over his last 12 starts.

In his career against the Cubs, Keller is 5-5 with a 4.91 ERA.

RHP Colin Rea (4-2, 3.92 ERA) Will Start for the Cubs

Rea last pitched on Tuesday against the Phillies and was tagged for four runs in 4.1 innings.

Over his last four starts, the right-hander has a 7.08 ERA (16er/20.1ip). He’s surrendered 29 hits — including five home runs — in those four starts.

Through his first 10 appearances to start the season, Rea was a perfect 3-0 with a 2.38 ERA.

Rea got the win after allowing two runs in 6.0 innings against the Pirates at PNC Park on May 1. In his career against Pittsburgh, Rea is 3-3 with a 5.91 ERA across eight appearances/six starts.

Cubs Hitters vs. Keller

Ian Happ: 11 for 27, three doubles, three home runs, seven RBI, six walks, six strikeouts
Dansby Swanson: 4 for 15, three doubles, three RBI, one walk, six strikeouts
Seiya Suzuki: 5 for 10, two doubles, two RBI, one walk, one strikeout
Nico Hoerner: 2 for 9, two doubles, one RBI, two walks, two strikeouts
Michael Busch: 0 for 8, five strikeouts
Justin Turner: 1 for 5, one walk
Reese McGuire: 0 for 5, one strikeout
Jon Berti: 2 for 4, one walk, one strikeout
Carson Kelly: 1 for 4
Kyle Tucker: 2 for 2, one home run, one RBI, one walk

Pirates Hitters vs. Rea

Bryan Reynolds: 8 for 14, two doubles, two home runs, five RBI, one walk, three strikeouts
Jared Triolo: 2 for 13, one strikeout
Andrew McCutchen: 2 for 12, one walk, two strikeouts
Nick Gonzales: 4 for 8, one home run, three RBI, one walk
Ke’Bryan Hayes: 1 for 6, one strikeout
Tommy Pham: 0 for 6, one walk, two strikeouts
Oneil Cruz: 1 for 5, one double, one RBI, one walk, two strikeouts
Adam Frazier: 0 for 5, one strikeout
Henry Davis: 2 for 4, one home run, two RBI, one walk, one strikeout
Spencer Horwitz: 1 for 3, one double, one strikeout

Tidbits

Mike Burrows set career-highs with eight strikeouts and 81 pitches and matched a career-high 5.1 innings in Saturday’s start.
Andrew McCutchen homered in the loss for his 18th career home run at Wrigley Field. That’s the most among active visiting players.
Mitch Keller is seeking his first win since his first start of the year against the Marlins on March 28. He’s the first Pirates’ starter to lose nine-straight decisions since JT Brubaker in 2021.