Ivan Nova (11-6, 4.41 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (67-65) meet Jimmy Nelson (7-13, 4.45 ERA) and the Milwaukee Brewers (58-76) in the second of a three-game division series at PNC Park. The Brewers won the last game 1-0, and Milwaukee leads the series 1-0. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sep. 3 and will air on FSWI and RTPT.
In his most recent outing, Nova pitched 6.0 innings, giving up one run and striking out four in a 3-1 victory over the Brewers. Starling Marte (.308, 69 Rs, 8 HRs, 45 RBIs, 46 SBs) played well again yesterday, going 2 for 4. The Brewers were unsuccessful against the Pirates 9-6 the last time Nelson pitched. He went 3.2 innings, allowing six runs (one unearned), striking out one and walking three.
Notes
In their last game, the Brewers won by a margin of one run. The Pirates are 18-18 in one-run games. The Brewers have an 18-26 record in close games.
Milwaukee has won 42% (23-32) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Pittsburgh has won 45% (27-33) of its games when taking a late lead.
Having scored one run in their last game, the Brewers are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Pirates have a 24-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 12-63. The Pirates have a 16-49 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 26th in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 123 this season. Milwaukee ranks 18th with 149 home runs.
Ranking ninth, Pittsburgh is in the top 10 of the league in walks, notching 439 this season. Milwaukee ranks in the top five at second with 515.
The Pirates are 48-28 in games where they hit one or more home runs. The Brewers are 45-39 when they hit at least one homer.
