In the second of a three-game series between the Pittsburgh Pirates (23-18) and the Colorado Rockies (20-21) at PNC Park, Jonathon Niese (4-2, 5.28 ERA) and Tyler Chatwood (5-3, 3.20 ERA) get the ball. The Pirates won the last game 2-1, and Pittsburgh leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 4:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, May. 21 and will air on RTPT and RTRM.
In his last start, Niese pitched 6.0 innings, allowing two runs, striking out six and walking two in an 8-5 victory over the Braves. Andrew McCutchen (.248, 27 Rs, 8 HRs, 19 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday. The Rockies were victorious over the Mets 4-3 the last time Chatwood pitched. He went 7.0 innings, allowing three runs, striking out four and walking three. Nolan Arenado (.314, 32 Rs, 14 HRs, 34 RBIs) has been hitting the ball well for the Rockies, going 3 for 3 yesterday with one run, one home run, and one RBI.
Notes
Colorado has won 40% (8-12) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Pittsburgh has won 55% (12-10) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Rockies are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Pirates have a 9-0 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Rockies are 3-14. The Pirates have a 3-12 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 19th in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 39 this season. Colorado ranks 12th with 48 home runs.
Ranking 19th, Colorado is in the bottom half of the league in walks, notching 121 this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 152.
When the Pirates hit at least one home run, they are 15-9. When the Rockies hit at least one homer, they have a 13-9 record.
