In a game that has the potential for a lot of runs, Ivan Nova (10-6, 4.55 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (66-61) are in Milwaukee to square off against Chase Anderson (7-10, 4.99 ERA) and the Brewers (56-73). This is the last of a four-game series at Miller Park. The Pirates won the last game 9-6, and Pittsburgh can finish out the series sweep with a win in this game. Action begins at 2:10 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 28 and can be seen on FSWI and RTPT.
Anderson pitched 5.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering three runs, striking out seven and walking two in a 6-4 win over the Rockies. Chris Carter (.225, 65 Rs, 30 HRs, 71 RBIs, 3 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday. Nova went 9.0 innings, surrendering one run, striking out six and walking one in a 7-1 win over the Astros in his last outing. Gregory Polanco (.273, 68 Rs, 19 HRs, 75 RBIs, 11 SBs) went 1 for 2 yesterday with three RBIs.
Pittsburgh takes on Milwaukee as a -120 favorite. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is sitting at nine runs. The Brewers have recorded an overall money line of -891 and have shown a weak performance as an underdog this season with a record of 36-55. Milwaukee has had a discouraging season against division opponents, earning records of 13-26 and 17-31 as the underdog and SU respectively. Milwaukee leads the MLB in steals, swiping 147 bases.
In games where it is the favorite, Pittsburgh has a 35-35 record and an overall money line of +26. They played poorly as the favorite over their last 10 games with a 2-5 record and a 5-5 record SU. Offensively, the Pirates have really sputtered in division games. They have decreased their season average of 4.5 runs per game by averaging 4.0 in those contests.
The Pirates lead the season series, 7-5. The Brewers have a bad 32-56 record against right-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Nova takes the mound. Anderson (RHP) will be on the hill against the Pirates, who have a 47-53 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT, O/U – Over
Notes
When leading after seven innings, Pittsburgh is 27-32, while Milwaukee is 23-31.
The Pirates are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded 12 strikeouts. The Brewers have a record of 11-21 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they are outhit, the Brewers are 11-60. The Pirates have a 16-47 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 26th in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 118 this season. Milwaukee ranks 18th with 146 home runs.
Ranking 14th, Milwaukee is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.07 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at seventh with 8.75.
Milwaukee and Pittsburgh both rank in the bottom half of the league for their on-base plus slugging percentage. Milwaukee sits at 19th with an OPS of .733, and Pittsburgh ranks 20th with an OPS of .732.
The Pirates are 35-48 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Brewers are 34-55 when they allow at least one homer.
