Pirates Daily: Can Brubaker Outduel Nola & Avoid the Sweep?

Sunday, July 31st, the Pittsburgh Pirates (40-61) finish their four-game series against their cross-state rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies (54-47), at PNC Park. The Pirates are coming off of yet another heartbreaking loss, 2-1 in 10 innings on Saturday night. The weather for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Phillies at first pitch (1:35 p.m.) is expected to be 76 degrees with a southeast wind of six mph. Small amounts of rain are expected around 2 p.m. into 3 p.m.

The game will be broadcast on AT&T Sportsnet PIT and on radio on SportsRadio 93.7 The Fan.

Starters

With one game left in the series, the Pittsburgh Pirates will send out J.T. Brubaker (2-8, 3.96 ERA) to prevent a four-game sweep. Going for the Phillies will be Aaron Nola (6-8, 3.32 ERA).

In a year of odd stats for the Pirates, Brubaker has an odd one. Despite a 3.96 ERA, Brubaker has only two wins. Brubaker has recorded his lowest ERA in terms of months with a 2.50 ERA in July in 18 innings.

Nola has seen better months, giving up five earned runs in two out of his last three starts. In 29 innings pitched, Nola has an ERA of 4.03 for July, which is by far his worst month of 2022.

Betting Odds

The early moneyline has the Pittsburgh Pirates as +155 underdogs, with the Phillies opening up as -182 favorites. The O/U has opened up at an even seven runs with the run line at PIT +1.5 (-117) and PHI +1.5 (-107).

Who’s Hot/Who’s Not?

Who’s Hot: Cal Mitchell hit his second homer in a seven-game span Saturday night. Mitchell is slashing .292/.346/.542 in his last 24 at-bats.

Who’s Not: Diego Castillo continues to struggle at the plate, going 0 for 3 with a strikeout. Castillo is slashing .200/.256/.325 in his last 40 at-bats.

Tidbits

1. In his last eight starts, Brubaker has gone at least six innings six times, with his worst outing coming against the Brewers on July 8 in Milwaukee, where he gave up four earned runs in six innings.
2. Brubaker’s last start against the Chicago Cubs dropped his ERA down into the threes all season. Can Brubaker continue to show his potential?
3. Brubaker has pitched just one game against the Phillies., working six innings and giving up one run on three hits.