Cole Hamels (5-0, 2.83 ERA) and the Texas Rangers (27-20) go up against Jonathon Niese (4-2, 4.75 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (27-19) in the first of a three-game interleague series at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The game starts at 8:05 p.m. ET on Friday, May. 27 and will air on FSSW and RTPT.
In his most recent outing, Hamels pitched 8.0 innings, allowing two, striking out 11 and walking two in a 9-2 victory over the Astros. Nomar Mazara (.320, 21 Rs, 8 HRs, 21 RBIs) played well again Wednesday, going 2 for 5 with one run, one home run, and three RBIs. The Pirates were unsuccessful against the Rockies 5-1 the last time Niese pitched. He went 7.0 innings, giving up one run, striking out four and walking one. Gregory Polanco (.316, 35 Rs, 6 HRs, 29 RBIs, 7 SBs) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one run.
Oddsmakers have deemed this game an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is unavailable at the moment. The Rangers have a SU record of 26-16 against the National League. The Rangers come into the game with the AL’s third-ranked home scoring offense, averaging 5.5 runs per game in their own ballpark. Texas’s pitching staff has put it all together in the past 10 games. Its average runs allowed per game dropped to 0.0 during that span, compared to its 0.0 season average. They have been extremely effective at striking opposing batters out, leading the AL with 6.9 strikeouts per game.
When playing AL opponents, the Pirates have a 27-20 record SU. They sport the fourth-ranked offense in the NL, averaging 0.0 runs per game. Pittsburgh is one of the top hitting teams in the league, converting .284 of their at-bats for hits. Pittsburgh is a terror on the base paths, ranking fourth in the MLB with 32 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.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT
Notes
The Rangers are coming into this game after allowing one walk during their last outing. The Pirates have a 2-1 record when opponents give up one walk or less.
When they are outhit, the Pirates are 4-12. The Rangers have a 9-15 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 23rd in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 43 this season. Texas ranks 19th with 46 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Texas is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.77 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top five at second with 9.98.
Ranking 13th, Texas is in the top half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.729). Pittsburgh ranks in the top five at third with an OPS of .797.
The Pirates are 15-16 when they allow at least one home run. The Rangers perform similarly when they allow one or more homers with a 16-18 record.
