Jake McCarthy will be looking to extend his 15-game on-base streak as the Arizona Diamondbacks (51-38) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (40-48) at Chase Field on Saturday.
The Diamondbacks took Friday’s series opener 7-3, their third head-to-head victory in four games this season. Starter Zac Gallen went seven innings to get the win, giving up one run on four hits.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. went 3 for 4 with a home run and two doubles in the win. He scored two runs and drove in four. Jared Triolo was 2 for 4 with a double and one run for the Pirates.
ON THE MOUND
Mitch Keller (9-4, 3.52 ERA) is set for the start for Pittsburgh. The righty is tied for second in the NL in strikeouts (125) and tied for fifth in wins. Keller allowed five runs (four earned) over five innings in his last start, a 5-2 road defeat against the Dodgers on Monday.
He was charged with the loss, yielding eight hits while striking out seven and walking one. Keller has made one previous start against the Diamondbacks this season, a 4-3 home loss on May 20. He surrendered two runs on three hits over six innings, striking out eight.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged 4.0 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 4.2. Arizona is averaging only 3.0 runs per game in the last five, down from 5.0 for the season, with their slash line slipping across the board (.206/.282/.350).
The D-backs have a .770 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .988 OPS over 225 at-bats, Corbin Carroll has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Pittsburgh is on a three-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 18-27 in 2023. The Bucs have scored 4.2 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.5 runs.
Arizona has gone 25-23 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.6 runs per game while surrendering 4.6. Arizona is 8-2 in the last 10 games at Chase Field between the teams with an average scoreline of 6.3-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Pirates are fourth in the NL Central, eight games behind the division-leading Reds. The Diamondbacks lead the NL West by zero games over the Dodgers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Pittsburgh Pirates (+115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
