Jonathon Niese (3-2, 5.62 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (19-17) meet Williams Perez (1-0, 3.54 ERA) and the Atlanta Braves (9-27) in the first of a four-game series at PNC Park. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Monday, May. 16 and will air on FSSE and RTPT.
In his most recent outing, Niese pitched 6.2 innings, giving up three runs, striking out four and walking one in a 3-2 loss to the Reds. The Braves were victorious over the Phillies 5-1 the last time Perez pitched. He went 8.0 innings, allowing one run and striking out four. Freddie Freeman (.277, 15 Rs, 6 HRs, 10 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 6 yesterday.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. The Pirates have one of the most prolific offenses in the entire NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. The Pirates are a stellar hitting team with a .272 team batting average, one of the highest marks in the MLB. They have been a terror on the base paths, ranking fourth in all of baseball with 25 steals. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average.
During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Atlanta pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT
Notes
The Pirates are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Braves have a 1-7 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Braves are 2-16. The Pirates have a 2-11 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Atlanta has hit nine this season. Pittsburgh ranks 19th with 36 home runs.
Ranking 26th, Atlanta is near the bottom of the league in hits, notching 7.75 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top five at fourth with 9.53.
Ranking 30th, Atlanta is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.589). Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .780.
When the Braves allow at least one home run, they are 2-20. When the Pirates allow one or more homers, they have a 10-14 record.
