Pirates

Pirates Daily: Can Bats Support Mitch Keller Against Mets?

Published

2 years ago

September 5, 2022

Monday, Sept. 5, the Pittsburgh Pirates (49-84) start a three-game series against the New York Mets (85-50) at PNC Park at 12:35 p.m. in a Labor Day matinee.

The Pirates got swept by the Toronto Blue Jays in a three-game series at PNC Park. The Pirates scored just four runs, including three in the third game Sunday.

The game will be aired on AT&T Sportsnet PIT and can be heard on 100.1 FM KDKA Radio or 1020 AM.

Starters

Starting for the Pirates will be Mitch Keller (4-10, 4.43 ERA). Keller put forth a strong effort in his last start last Tuesday against the Brewers in Milwaukee when he pitched six innings and gave up just two earned runs on four hits. Keller strayed away from his sinker and primarily used his four-seam fastball (42%) and induced six out of his 14 swings and misses with the pitch..

Starting for the Mets will be Taijuan Walker (10-3, 3.45 ERA). Walker is coming off his most recent start last Tuesday against the Dodgers when he gave up three earned runs on five hits and three walks. Walker showcases a six-pitch mix with a four-seam fastball (29.8%), split-finger (27.9%), slider (17.2%), sinker (10.3%), and occasionally throws a curveball (7.5%) and a cutter (7.3%).

Betting Odds

The Mets are strong -210 favorites on the moneyline and the Pirates are listed at +175. On the runline, the Mets are -1.5 (-120) and the Pirates are +1.5 (+102). The over/under is 8.5 (O -105, U -114).

Who’s Hot/Who’s Not

Who’s Hot: The enigma of Oneil Cruz continues, but it’s hard to deny his 116-mph effortless home run from Sunday. Cruz has now registered four RBIs in his last five games.

Who’s Not: Tucupita Marcano laid a goose egg during Sunday’s game, going hitless in four at-bats. He has now registered just four hits in his last 23 at-bats.

Tidbits:

With Cruz hitting a home run Sunday, he is now two away from tying the most home runs hit by a Pittsburgh Pirates’ shortstop in the PNC Park era. Jordy Mercer hit 14 in 2017.
Lost in the shuffle on Sunday, the Pirates claimed right-hander Peter Solomon off waivers from the Houston Astros following. Solomon pitched 14 innings for the Astros this season and had a 1.29 ERA.
To make room for Solomon on the 40-man, the Pirates have moved Colin Holderman to the 60-day injured list.