Jameson Taillon (2-2, 3.29 ERA) and Christian Friedrich (4-7, 4.76 ERA) start in the last of a three-game series between the Pittsburgh Pirates (56-55) and the San Diego Padres (49-64) at PNC Park. The Padres won the last game 4-0, and the series is currently tied 1-1. Action begins at 12:35 p.m. ET on Thursday, Aug. 11 and can be seen on FSSD and RTPT.
Taillon pitched 6.0 innings in his most recent start, surrendering one run, striking out six and walking one in a 3-2 win over the Reds. Friedrich went 7.0 innings, surrendering four runs and striking out four in a 5-4 defeat to the Phillies in his last outing.
This one isn’t expected to be close when Pittsburgh, a substantial -193 favorite, takes on San Diego. The Over/Under (O/U) is sitting at eight runs for this matchup. The Pirates have an overall money line of -26 and a record as the favorite of 32-29. The Pirates have no trouble scoring as they rank fifth in the NL in offense with 4.5 runs per game. Pittsburgh is one of the best in the MLB in terms of steals, swiping 84 bases.
As for their opponent, in contrast to an encouraging overall money line (+34), San Diego has an unimpressive 36-57 record when playing as the underdog. The Padres are an excellent base stealing team with 99 stolen bases, ranking third in the MLB.
The Padres lead the season series, 3-2. The Pirates have a great 6-3 record at home (15-8 overall) against left-handed starting pitchers, which is what they’ll be facing when Friedrich takes the mound. Taillon (RHP) will be on the hill against the Padres, who have a 33-51 record against right-handed starting pitchers.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT, O/U – Over
Notes
Pittsburgh recorded at least two errors for the 12th time this season.
The Pirates didn’t score any runs in their last game. The Padres have a 7-0 record when they don’t allow any runs.
When they are outhit, the Padres are 8-45. The Pirates have a 14-43 record when opponents outhit them.
Ranking 26th in home runs, Pittsburgh has hit 103 this season. San Diego ranks 16th with 132 home runs.
Ranking 11th, San Diego is in the top half of the league in hits, notching 8.23 per game. Pittsburgh ranks in the top five with 8.82.
Ranking 24th, San Diego is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.711). Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom half at 16th with an OPS of .732.
The Padres are 25-47 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Pirates are 30-42 when they allow at least one homer.
