Charlie Morton (7-4, 4.19 ERA) and Alex Wood (7-7, 3.65 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Pittsburgh Pirates (64-44) and the Los Angeles Dodgers (62-48) at PNC Park. The Pirates won the last game 6-5 and Pittsburgh leads the series 2-0. Action begins at 8:05 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 9 and can be seen on ESPN.
Morton pitched 7.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering zero runs and striking out seven in a 3-0 win over the Reds. Andrew McCutchen (.300, 62 Rs, 16 HRs, 70 RBIs, 6 SBs) continued his strong play yesterday, going 3 for 3 with one run, one RBI, and one stolen base. Wood went 6.1 innings, surrendering four runs, striking out eight and walking two in a 6-2 defeat to the Phillies in his last outing. Justin Turner (.323, 36 Rs, 13 HRs, 44 RBIs, 1 SB) went 1 for 4 yesterday with one RBI.
The odds for Pittsburgh and Los Angeles are even, while the Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at seven runs. Pittsburgh is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 73 bases. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff has been doing poorly against opposing offenses during the last 10 games, allowing an average of 4.9 runs per game, well above its season average of 3.6. The Pirates are the third-best team in the NL at limiting hits during home games, allowing only 8.2 hits per game to their opponents this season.
The Dodgers can change the game with one swing of the bat, ranking fifth in the league with 135 home runs. When it comes to preventing batters from getting on base, the Dodgers are one of the best in the league with a WHIP of 1.20 for the season. The Dodgers have established a reputation of overwhelming hitters with an NL-best 8.7 strikeouts per game.
The Pirates have the edge in the season series, 2-0. The Pirates have an 11-9 record against left-handed starting pitchers on the year, which is what they’ll be facing when Wood takes the mound. Morton (RHP) will be on the hill against the Dodgers, who have a 54-37 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – LAD, O/U – Over
Notes
Pittsburgh has won 43% (19-25) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Los Angeles has won 51% (21-20) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Dodgers are coming into this game after allowing two walks during their last outing. The Pirates have a 29-27 record when opponents give up that many walks or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Dodgers are 12-34. The Pirates have a 15-34 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 25th in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 88 this season. Los Angeles ranks fifth with 135 home runs.
Ranking 11th, Los Angeles is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.42 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top five at fourth with 8.91.
Ranking 16th, Pittsburgh is in the bottom half of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.707). Los Angeles ranks in the top five at fifth with an OPS of .758.
When the Dodgers allow at least one home run, they are 26-33, well-matched with the Pirates who are 26-28 when allowing at least one homer.
