Pirates

Pirates Preview: Can Priester Build Off Last Start?

Published

9 months ago

July 29, 2023

The Pittsburgh Pirates (45-58) fell to the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday night, despite Mitch Keller having a bounce back start and giving up just two runs.

Keller nearly went six full innings in his start on Friday night, and if it wasn’t for a two-run homer against Kyle Schwarber, Keller would’ve had a much cleaner outing.

Ji-Man Choi doubled in the Pirates only run, and as a result, the Buccos fell 2-1 on Friday night.

First pitch at PNC Park is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. You can watch all of the action on AT&T Sportsnet or listen to the game on 93.7 The Fan.

Weather

There is a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms at first pitch for Saturday’s game. Otherwise, temperatures will range from 75-80 degrees, with a slight wind of eight mph.

The Pirates will send out RHP Quinn Priester (1-1, 9.28 ERA)

Priester earned his first big league win in his last start on July 24 against the San Diego Padres. In 5.1 innings pitched, Priester allowed four hits, four earned runs, three walks, and struck out four.

Since coming up to the majors on July 17, Priester has been inducing a ton of ground balls, in fact, he’s induced a ground ball 54.1% of the time.

The main reason has been his sinker usage, which is at 33.3% of the time in his two starts. The average launch angle on his sinker is at a negative six.

Priester has never faced the Phillies before.

The Phillies will send out RHP Aaron Nola (9-6, 4.25 ERA)

In his last two starts combined, Nola has pitched in 14.1 innings, while giving up ten hits, five earned runs, no walks, and struck out 13.

In his last start on July 23, Nola faced the Cleveland Guardians and pitched seven strong innings, but getting the no-decision. Nola allowed six hits, three earned runs, no walks, and struck out seven.

Nola has faced the Pirates seven times (seven starts) and holds a 4-2 record with an ERA of 3.77 in 43 innings pitched. In addition, Nola has pitched in PNC Park four out of seven times.