In a game that could be a shootout, Shelby Miller (1-5, 6.64 ERA) and the Arizona Diamondbacks (21-25) are in Pittsburgh to square off against Francisco Liriano (3-3, 4.63 ERA) and the Pirates (24-19). This is the first of a three-game series at PNC Park. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 24 and can be seen on FSAZ and RTPT.
Liriano pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs, striking out four and walking two in a 3-1 defeat to the Braves. Gregory Polanco (.297, 31 Rs, 5 HRs, 23 RBIs, 6 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run and one stolen base. Miller went 5.2 innings, surrendering three runs, striking out five and walking two in a 4-2 defeat to the Yankees in his last outing. Brandon Drury (.306, 16 Rs, 7 HRs, 15 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Diamondbacks, going 2 for 4 Sunday with one run and one RBI.
The odds for Pittsburgh and Arizona are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is currently not available. The Pirates have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the NL in offense with 0.0 runs per game. The Pirates are one of the best in the MLB in terms of batting average with an impressive team average of .279. Pittsburgh’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.
Offensively, the Diamondbacks 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 Diamondbacks capitalize on their at-bats at a high percentage, ranking .270 in the league with a .270 team batting average. The Diamondbacks 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 lead the season series, 2-1.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT
Notes
The Pirates are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Diamondbacks have a 4-9 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Diamondbacks are 2-17. The Pirates have a 3-12 record when opponents outhit them.
Pittsburgh ranks near the bottom of the league when it comes to home runs, hitting 39 this season. Arizona ranks in the top 10 at ninth with 53.
Pittsburgh and Arizona both rank in the top five of the league in hits. Pittsburgh sits at second with 9.74 hits per game and Arizona ranks third with 9.54.
Pittsburgh and Arizona both rank in the top five of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Pittsburgh sits at third with an OPS of .783, and Arizona ranks fifth with an OPS of .778.
When the Diamondbacks allow at least one home run, they are 7-21. When the Pirates allow one or more homers, they have a 14-16 record.
