In a game that has the potential for a lot of runs, Jered Weaver (4-4, 5.40 ERA) and the Los Angeles Angels (24-29) are in Pittsburgh to square off against Francisco Liriano (4-4, 4.63 ERA) and the Pirates (29-24). This is the first of a three-game series at PNC Park. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 3 and can be seen on FSW and RTPT.
Liriano pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering five runs, striking out six and walking four in a 6-2 defeat to the Rangers. Weaver went 6.0 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out three and walking three in a 4-2 defeat to the Astros in his last outing.
The odds for Pittsburgh and Los Angeles are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable as of now. In interleague play, the Pirates have a 20-21 record SU. The Pirates have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the NL in home offense with 5.1 runs per game. The Pirates are one of the best in the MLB in terms of batting average with a phenomenal team average of .277. Pittsburgh is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 38 bases. 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. Opponents have consistently been struck out by the Pirates, who rank third in the NL in strikeouts per game with 7.2.
Los Angeles is 27-19 SU against teams in the NL. Offensively, the Angels 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 Angels 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 Angels have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an AL-best 6.5 strikeouts per road game.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT
Notes
The Pirates managed to give up five walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Angels who are coming in with a 7-3 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Angels are 2-24. The Pirates have a 4-16 record when opponents outhit them.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total home runs this season, Pittsburgh ranks 23rd with 50 homers and Los Angeles is 26th with 47.
Ranking 15th, Los Angeles is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.58 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top five at second with 9.72.
Ranking 21st, Los Angeles is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.710). Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at sixth with an OPS of .778.
The Angels are 14-24 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Pirates are 16-18 when they allow at least one homer.
