Francisco Liriano (7-6, 2.92 ERA) and Mat Latos (4-7, 4.29 ERA) take the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Pittsburgh Pirates (63-44) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (62-47) at PNC Park. The Pirates won the last game 5-4 and Pittsburgh leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 4:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 8 and can be seen on FS1 and SNLA.
Liriano pitched 5.2 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs (one unearned) and striking out four in a 10-4 win over the Twins. Andrew McCutchen (.294, 61 Rs, 16 HRs, 69 RBIs, 5 SBs) had another good game yesterday, going 2 for 3 with two runs and one RBI. Latos went 6.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out one and walking one in a 5-3 defeat to the Angels in his last outing. Justin Turner (.323, 36 Rs, 13 HRs, 44 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI.
Pittsburgh is a -133 favorite against Los Angeles and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at seven runs. The Pirates have recorded an overall money line of +1,081 and have shown high-level performance as a favorite this season with a record of 52-26. Pittsburgh is an impressive 5-2 as the favorite over its last 10 games. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 4.9 runs per game, well above its season average of 3.6. The Pirates are the fourth-best team in the NL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 8.3 hits per game to their opponents this season.
Over in the other dugout, in contrast to a worrisome overall money line (-841), Los Angeles has an impressive 7-4 record when playing as the underdog. The Dodgers can change the game with one swing of the bat, ranking fifth in the league with 134 home runs. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Dodgers are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.20 for the season. The Dodgers have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.7 strikeouts per game.
The Pirates have the edge in the season series, 1-0. The Pirates have a 52-35 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Latos takes the mound. Liriano (LHP) will be on the hill against the Dodgers, who have an 8-10 record against left-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – Pit, O/U – Over
Notes
Pittsburgh has won 43% (19-25) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Los Angeles has won 51% (21-20) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Dodgers managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Pirates who are heading in with an 11-6 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Dodgers are 46-9. The Pirates have a 44-6 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 17th in runs, Pittsburgh has earned 441 this season. Los Angeles ranks 13th with 456 runs.
Ranking 21st, Pittsburgh is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 281 this season. Los Angeles ranks in the top five at second with 373.
When the Pirates hit at least one home run, they are 39-20, well-matched with the Dodgers who are 48-28 when hitting one or more homers.
