Francisco Liriano (1-1, 4.64 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (14-9) go up against Alfredo Simon (0-2, 16.39 ERA) and the Cincinnati Reds (9-14) in the second of a three-game division series at PNC Park. The Pirates won the last game 4-1, extending a five-game winning streak. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Apr. 30 and will air on FSOH and RTPT.
In his last start, Liriano pitched 6.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out six and walking three in a 12-10 victory over the Diamondbacks. Starling Marte (.333, 14 Rs, 3 HRs, 12 RBIs, 7 SBs) continued his strong season yesterday, going 2 for 4. The Reds were unsuccessful the last time Simon pitched. He did not do well, pitching 2.2 innings, giving up eight runs, striking out three and walking one in a 9-0 loss to the Cubs. Jay Bruce (.264, 9 Rs, 4 HRs, 15 RBIs, 2 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is presently unavailable. Against teams in the NL Central, the Pirates have a SU record of 4-10. The Pirates have one of the most prolific offenses in the entire NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. The Pirates have the top batting average in the league at .293. The Pirates typically don’t swing at bad pitches, which has led to an impressive 4.3 walks per game. The most recent 10 game stretch for Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Pittsburgh’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0. The Pirates don’t give up many hits to opposing batters at PNC Park, ranking fourth in the NL with only 6.9 hits allowed per home game.
Against divisional opponents, the Reds are 7-3 SU. During the last 10 games, they averaged 0.0 runs per game, above their 0.0 season average. Cincinnati is a terror on the base paths, ranking fifth in the MLB with 17 stolen bases. The last 10 games have really brought the best out of the Cincinnati pitchers. They’ve allowed 0.0 runs per game during that span, which is lower than their season average of 0.0. The Cincinnati pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging 7.0 strikeouts per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT
Notes
Cincinnati has won 36% (4-7) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Pittsburgh has won 55% (6-5) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Reds are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Pirates have a 6-0 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Reds are 1-10. The Pirates have a 2-6 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 24th in home runs, Cincinnati has hit 19 this season. Pittsburgh ranks 18th with 20 home runs.
Pittsburgh ranks at the top of the league when it comes to hits with 10.43 per game this season. Cincinnati ranks near the bottom at 26th with 7.61.
Ranking 25th, Cincinnati is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.680). Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .826.
The Reds are 7-14 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Pirates are 8-9 when they allow at least one homer.
