Jeff Locke (3-3, 5.37 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (32-27) meet Kevin Correia (0-0, 0.00 ERA) and the Philadelphia Phillies (22-39) in the first of a three-game series at PNC Park. The game starts at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Jun. 12 and will air on CSN-PHI and ROOT-PIT.
Locke is 4-0 with a 1.35 ERA against the Phillies in his career, and is up against a less-than-stellar Philadelphia offense that’s hitting just .239 on the year. Andrew McCutchen (.292, 33 Rs, 8 HRs, 37 RBIs, 3 SBs) played well again Wednesday, going 2 for 3. In his pitching opportunities against the Pirates, Correia is 3-1 with a 3.69 ERA, 16 strikeouts and 12 walks. Jeff Francoeur (.264, 13 Rs, 4 HRs, 20 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Phillies, going 2 for 4 Wednesday.
The odds are even for this game and the Over/Under (O/U) is currently unavailable. They typically aren’t overmatched by pitchers, ranking second in the NL with an average of only 6.5 strikeouts per home game. Pittsburgh’s pitching staff can be considered one of the best in the NL. The Pirates have a team ERA of 2.99, one of the lowest in their league. The Pirates don’t give up many hits to opposing batters, ranking third in the NL with only 8.3 hits allowed per game.
This game will feature Correia (RHP) on the mound against the Pirates, who have a 28-23 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Phillies will be the left-hander Locke. Southpaw starters have been a big issue for them as they sport records of 1-4 on the road and 4-7 overall.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT
Notes
Philadelphia has won 32% (10-21) of its games when leading after 7 innings. However, Pittsburgh has won 42% (10-14) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Pirates are coming off of a weak pitching game where they recorded six strikeouts. The Phillies have a record of 14-10 when opponents’ pitchers have that many strikeouts or fewer.
When they are outhit, the Phillies are 6-30. The Pirates have a 4-18 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 30th in home runs, Philadelphia has hit 36 this season. Pittsburgh ranks 20th with 50 home runs.
Ranking 13th, Philadelphia is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 7.98 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 at sixth with 8.71.
Ranking 30th, Philadelphia is at the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.645). Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom half at 18th with an OPS of .696.
When the Phillies allow at least one home run, they are 7-28. When the Pirates allow one or more homers, they have a 9-18 record.
