Rubby De La Rosa (1-3, 8.44 ERA) and Juan Nicasio (2-1, 4.80 ERA) start in the second of a three-game series between the Arizona Diamondbacks (9-9) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (9-8) at Chase Field. The Pirates won the last game 8-7, and Pittsburgh leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 8:10 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 23 and can be seen on FSAZ and RTPT.
De La Rosa pitched 1.0 inning in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs, striking out three and walking one in a 9-7 win over the Giants. Jean Segura (.356, 10 Rs, 3 HRs, 11 RBIs, 3 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 5 with one RBI. Nicasio went 6.0 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out six and walking two in a 9-3 win over the Brewers in his last outing. Gregory Polanco (.298, 12 Rs, 1 HR, 9 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
The odds for Arizona and Pittsburgh are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Diamondbacks have seen an uptick in scoring as of late, averaging 0.0 runs during the last 10 games compared to their season average of 0.0 runs per game. Arizona is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 15 bases. Arizona’s pitching staff has been doing better against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, only allowing an average of 0.0 runs per game, well under their season average of 0.0. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Diamondbacks, who rank fifth in the NL in strikeouts per home game with 6.9.
Offensively, the Pirates have really picked up the pace in the last 10 games. They have exceeded their season average of 0.0 runs per game by averaging 0.0 during that stretch. The Pirates capitalize on their at-bats at a high percentage, leading the league with a .295 team batting average. The Pirates are an excellent base stealing team with 13 stolen bases, ranking fourth in the MLB. The Pirates allow 0.0 runs per game, but have improved upon those numbers in the past 10 games, allowing 0.0 runs per game during that span.
The Pirates have the edge in the season series, 1-0.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT
Notes
Arizona has won 36% (4-7) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Pittsburgh has won 38% (3-5) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Pirates are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Diamondbacks have a 3-6 record when opponents give up two walks or less.
When they outhit their opponents, the Pirates are 8-3. The Diamondbacks have a 6-1 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking sixth, Arizona is in the top 10 of the league in runs, scoring 80 this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the top five with 82.
Ranking 22nd, Arizona is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 45 this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the top five at second with 75.
The Diamondbacks are 7-6 when they hit at least one home run. The Pirates perform similarly when they hit one or more homers with a 4-3 record.
