Pirates Preview: Can the Pirates Salvage the Rockies Series?

The Pittsburgh Pirates (38-54) find themselves in a two-game hole against the Colorado Rockies (43-49), heading into the final game of a three-game series before the All-Star break. In total, the Pirates have been outscored 15-2, with 13 of those Rockies’ runs coming in game on Friday.

UPDATE (2:04 p.m.) The Pirates have officially posted their lineup.

UPDATE (12:18 p.m.) The Rockies have posted their lineup.

Weather

The weather in Colorado looks sunny and hot. At first pitch, they are expecting sunny skies with a temperature of 92 degrees. The first pitch is expected to be 3:10 p.m. EST.

Starters

The Pirates have officially announced that Bryse Wilson (1-5, 6.60 ERA) will oppose Austin Gomber (5-7, 6.11 ERA) of the Rockies. Wilson was called up after the Pirates placed Chase De Jong on the IL. 

Money Line, O/U

The Pirates and Rockies have a money line where the Pirates open up as +144 underdogs, as the Rockies stand as big favorites at -172. There is no O/U line posted as of yet, but theO/U has hovered around 11-11.5 runs, and since it’s in Colorado, it’s a safe bet we see about the same. 

Tidbits

Austin Gomber has faced the Pirates six times (two starts) and pitched 16.1 innings in those six games against Pittsburgh. The Pirates have slashed .286/.361/.524 with an OPS of .885 against Gomber. 

The southpaw Gomber has pitched a career 303.1 innings and has fared much better against lefties. Southpaws have slashed .238/.296/.376 whereas righties are slashing .264/.336/.454. 

With the multitude of lefties in the Pirates lineup, it may be a long afternoon at the dish. Expect all the righties on the Pirates’ roster to get the nod Sunday afternoon.