Chad Kuhl (3-0, 3.73 ERA) and David Phelps (6-6, 2.48 ERA) are on the hill in the second of a three-game series between the Pittsburgh Pirates (62-57) and the Miami Marlins (63-59) at PNC Park. The Marlins won the last game 6-5, and Miami leads the series 1-0. Action begins at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Aug. 20 and can be seen on FSFL and RTPT.
Kuhl pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering two runs and striking out five in an 11-3 win over the Dodgers. Gregory Polanco (.273, 62 Rs, 17 HRs, 67 RBIs, 11 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 2 for 4 with one run. Phelps went 5.1 innings, surrendering two runs, striking out eight and walking one in a 6-3 win over the Reds in his last outing. Giancarlo Stanton (.244, 52 Rs, 25 HRs, 70 RBIs) has been successful at the plate for the Marlins, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
Pittsburgh is a -133 favorite against Miami and the Over/Under (O/U) for this game is sitting at eight runs. The Pirates have an overall money line of +461 and a record as the favorite of 33-30.
In games where it is the underdog, Miami has a 32-30 record and an overall money line of -123. They played poorly as the underdog over their last 10 games with a 1-3 record and a 3-7 record SU. The Marlins are tough outs for opponents, ranking second in the NL with 9.4 hits per game. Miami is excellent at making contact with just 7.6 strikeouts per game, ranking fourth in the NL. The Marlins have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.6 strikeouts per game, making them one of the top five teams in the league.
The Marlins lead the season series, 4-1. The Pirates have a 44-48 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Phelps takes the mound. Kuhl (RHP) will be on the hill against the Marlins, who have a 41-51 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT, O/U – Over
Notes
For the 15th time this season, the Pirates registered at least two errors in a game.
The Pirates managed to give up six walks in their last game. They’ll have to pick it up against the Marlins who are coming in with a 6-1 record against opponents who give up that many walks or more.
When they are outhit, the Marlins are 8-38. The Pirates have a 16-45 record when opponents outhit them.
Pittsburgh and Miami both rank near the bottom of the league in home runs. Pittsburgh sits at 26th with 113 home runs this season and Miami ranks 28th with 104.
Pittsburgh and Miami both rank in the top five of the league in hits. Pittsburgh sits at fifth with 8.82 hits per game and Miami ranks second with 9.38.
Ranking 16th, Pittsburgh is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.738). Miami ranks in the top half at 14th with an OPS of .742.
When the Marlins allow at least one home run, they are 28-36, well-matched with the Pirates who are 32-44 when allowing at least one homer.
