This game could be low scoring as Jose Fernandez (7-2, 2.82 ERA) and the Miami Marlins (26-25) go up against Gerrit Cole (5-3, 2.53 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (29-21) in the second of a four-game series at Marlins Park. The Pirates won the last game 10-0, and Pittsburgh leads the series 1-0. The game starts at 7:10 p.m. ET on Tuesday, May. 31 and will air on ESPN and RTPT.
In his most recent outing, Fernandez pitched 7.0 innings, giving up one run, striking out 12 and walking one in a 9-1 victory over the Rays. The Pirates were also victorious the last time Cole pitched. He pitched well, going 5.0 innings, allowing one runs (one unearned), striking out five and walking three in an 8-3 victory over the Diamondbacks. Gregory Polanco (.315, 38 Rs, 8 HRs, 35 RBIs, 7 SBs) has been hitting the ball well for the Pirates, going 2 for 4 yesterday with two runs, one home run, and four RBIs.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. Miami has averaged 0.0 runs per game over the last 10 games, higher than its season average of 0.0. The Marlins are an exceptional hitting team with a .272 team batting average, one of the highest marks in the MLB. The most recent 10 game stretch for Miami’s pitching staff has gone great. Over that span, Miami’s opponents are averaging 0.0 runs per game, below their season average of 0.0.
The Pirates rank fourth in the NL in scoring, averaging 0.0 runs per game. Pittsburgh is one of the top hitting teams in the NL with an average of 10.0 hits per contest. Pittsburgh is a terror on the base paths, ranking third in the MLB with 38 stolen bases. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has allowed an average of 0.0 runs per game during the last 10 games, lower than their season average of 0.0. The Pittsburgh pitching staff has been an intimidating group this year, averaging 7.2 strikeouts per game.
So far this season, the Pirates are 1-0 against the Marlins.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT
Notes
After last game’s shutout win against Miami, the Pirates now have two shutouts this season. The Marlins have been shut out in two games this season.
The Marlins didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Pirates have a 2-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they are outhit, the Marlins are 4-17. The Pirates have a 4-13 record when opponents outhit them.
Both falling near the bottom of the league based on total home runs this season, Miami ranks 24th with 46 homers and Pittsburgh is 21st with 50.
Miami and Pittsburgh both rank in the top five of the league in hits. Miami sits at fifth with 9.33 hits per game and Pittsburgh ranks second with 10.04.
Ranking 10th, Miami is in the top 10 of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.746). Pittsburgh ranks in the top five at second with an OPS of .797.
The Pirates are 16-18 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Marlins are 12-12 when they allow at least one homer.
