Pirates

Pirates Preview: Looking to Break Out The Brooms in K.C.

Published

9 months ago

August 30, 2023

On the backs of Ke’Bryan Hayes and Liover Peguero, the Pittsburgh Pirates (60-73) defeated the Kansas City Royals (41-93) by a score of 6-3 on Tuesday.

Trailing 1-0 in the eighth, Hayes connected on a two-run shot to put the Pirates up a run. The following inning, Peguero belted a three-run homer to left field.

Luis Ortiz earned his third win of the season after allowing a single run through 5.0 innings while striking out five batters.

Now, the Pirates will look to complete the series sweep on Wednesday night. First pitch is set for 8:10 ET and the game will be aired on AT&T SportsNet.

Weather

Clear skies with temperatures decreasing in the 70s throughout the game. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Will Send Out RHP Andre Jackson (0-1, 4.91 ERA)

Jackson’s last outing came out of the bullpen and the right-hander pitched well. In 6.0 innings, he allowed two runs on six hits while striking out a pair.

Since being recalled by the Pirates, the right-hander has a 3.32 ERA (7er/19.0ip) across five appearances (two starts).

Jackson is still looking for the first win of his major league career.

He’s never faced the Royals.

The Kansas City Royals Will Send Out LHP Ángel Zerpa (1-2, 7.79 ERA)

Zerpa will be making his eighth appearance (third starts) for the Royals this season.

His last start came on Aug. 22 against the Oakland A’s, and Zerpa allowed five runs (four earned) while striking out four in 3.1 innings. Prior to that, he allowed one run in 4.0 innings in a start against the Seattle Mariners on Aug. 17.

Opponents aren’t having much trouble against the 23-year-old this season. Entering play on Wednesday, opposing batters have slashed .306/.370/.528 with four home runs against him in 17.1 innings pitched.

This will be his first appearance against the Pirates.

Royals Hitters vs. Jackson

Pirates Hitters vs. Zerpa

Tidbits

The Pirates’ win on Tuesday was their 60th of the season. In the 133rd game of the season, it’s the fastest they’ve notched their 60th win since 2018.
In three out of their last four games on the road, the Pirates have been on the wrong end of a perfect game heading into the fifth inning. They are 2-1 in those games.
In addition to his home run, Peguero singled twice, giving him the second three-hit game of his career. The 22-year-old also had three hits against the Philadelphia Phillies on July 29.