Pirates
Pirates Daily: Mitch Keller Looks to Finish a Strong July
Saturday, July 30th, the Pittsburgh Pirates (40-60) play game three of a four-game series against their cross-state rival, Philadelphia Phillies. (53-47) at PNC Park. The Pirates are coming off of yet another heartbreaking loss, 4-2 in 10 innings on Friday night. The weather for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Phillies at first pitch (7:15 p.m.) is at a decent temperature of 80 degrees, with a northwest wind of 6 mph. No rain is expected.
The game will be broadcasted on FOX and over the airwaves on SportsRadio 93.7 THE FAN.
Starters
After coming off yet another impressive performance for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Mitch Keller (3-7, 4.55 ERA) will get the nod Saturday night. Keller’s mound opponent is scheduled to be left-hander Ranger Suàrez (7-5, 3.84 ERA).
Keller has gone six innings in each of his last four starts and accumulated 25 innings pitched for July. During that time, Keller has posted an ERA of 2.88, struck out 25, and walked just three batters.
Suàrez, in his last two starts, hasn’t allowed a run in 10 innings. During that span, Suàrez has walked only one and allowed four hits in each start.
Betting Odds
Looking at the moneyline, the Pittsburgh Pirates open up as +135 underdogs, with the Phillies standing at -157 favorites. The over/under opens up at 8.5 runs with the run line of PIT +1.5 (-129) and PHI -1.5 (+104).
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Who’s Hot/Who’s Not?
Who’s Hot: Kevin Newman on Friday night registered three hits with one double. Newman has been known to hit decently against lefties. Can Newman get to Suàrez?
Who’s Not: Yoshi Tsutsugo went 0-4 with three strikeouts Friday night and dropped his batting average to .169. Not a good look from the big guy.
Tidbits
- Suàrez has very little experience at PNC Park, with only two innings pitched.
- With the Pirates facing yet another lefty, does Bligh Madris get a start against Suàrez? In 79 at-bats against lefties at Triple-A in 2022, Madris had a slash line of .253/.322/.342 with an OPS of .664
- The Pirates hold the all-time series record against the Phillies at PNC Park, 14-9. Can the Pirates win to at least be in position to salvage a split Sunday?
Baseball Links
Prospect Roundtable: Where Does Termarr Johnson Rank in the Pirates System?
P2Daily: This Year’s College Senior Class is Getting Paid
Cincinnati Reds trade All-Star pitcher Luis Castillo to the Seattle Mariners
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