Jimmy Nelson (10-10, 3.81 ERA) and the Milwaukee Brewers (55-75) go up against Gerrit Cole (15-7, 2.44 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (79-50) in the first of a three-game division series at Miller Park. The game starts at 8:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, Sep. 1 and will air on FSWI and RTPT.
In his most recent outing, Nelson pitched 3.1 innings, giving up five runs, striking out four and walking eight in a 6-2 loss to the Indians. Ryan Braun (.278, 75 Rs, 24 HRs, 77 RBIs, 18 SBs) continued his strong season Sunday, going 2 for 4 with one run, one home run, and one RBI. The Pirates were victorious the last time Cole pitched. He pitched well, going 7.1 innings, allowing one run and striking out four in a 2-1 victory over the Marlins. Andrew McCutchen (.305, 75 Rs, 20 HRs, 85 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 4 Sunday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Brewers have an SU record of 21-29 against teams in their division. The most recent 10-game stretch for the Brewers has gone great. Over that span, Milwaukee is averaging 5.6 runs per game, well over their season average of 4.0. Milwaukee’s pitching staff has fallen apart in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game rose to 6.4 during that span, compared to its 4.5 season average.
Against divisional rivals, the Pirates are 21-29 SU. The Pirates rank fifth in the NL in scoring, averaging 4.2 runs per game. Pittsburgh is one of the top hitting teams in the NL with an average of 9.1 hits per contest. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff and defense as a whole has been firing on all cylinders so far, ranking third in the NL with only 3.6 runs allowed per game. The Pittsburgh pitching staff has been an intimidating group on the road this year, averaging 7.8 strikeouts per game.
The Brewers will take on a right-hander (Cole) in this game and have a 39-61 record against right-handed starting pitchers this season. Taking the hill against the Pirates will be the right-hander Nelson. Right-handed starters haven’t been a big issue for them as they sport a 64-38 record.
Predictions: SU Winner – Pit
Notes
For the 30th time this season, the Pirates registered at least two errors in a game.
The Brewers are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Pirates have a 17-24 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 10-58. The Pirates have an 18-38 record when opponents outhit them.
Pittsburgh ranks near the bottom of the league at 21st when it comes to home runs, hitting 110 this season. Milwaukee ranks in the bottom half at 19th with 118.
Ranking 10th, Milwaukee is in the top 10 of the league in hits, notching 8.45 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top five at fourth with 9.05.
Ranking 22nd, Milwaukee is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.703). Pittsburgh ranks in the top half at 15th with an OPS of .720.
The Pirates are 33-30 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Brewers are 31-53 when they allow at least one homer.
