Free MLB Picks Today: Baltimore Orioles vs Pittsburgh Pirates 5/14/23

The Baltimore Orioles (26-13) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (21-19) at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on Sunday with the home team looking for a sweep of the three-game Interleague series.

The Orioles lead the series 2-0 after winning 2-0 on Saturday. Starter Tyler Wells threw seven scoreless innings – striking out eight – to get the win, and Felix Bautista struck out the side in the ninth for his 10th save.

Adley Rutschman went 2 for 3 with a solo home run in the win. Gunnar Henderson added a solo home run. Tucupita Marcano was 1 for 1 with a double for the Pirates.

ON THE MOUND

Mitch Keller (4-1, 2.72 ERA) is slated to start for Pittsburgh. The righty is tied for fourth in the NL in strikeouts (56) and tied for fifth in wins. Keller went the distance for a complete game shutout in his last start in a 2-0 home victory over the Rockies on Monday.

He allowed only four hits, striking out eight and walking one en route to the win.Keller is making his first appearance against the Orioles this season. Keller made one start against the Orioles in 2022, a 1-0 road loss on August 5.

He surrendered one run on eight hits over six innings, striking out one and walking one. Right-hander Kyle Gibson (4-2, 4.40 ERA) gets the ball for Baltimore.

It’s his first appearance of the season against the Pirates. Gibson made one start against the Pirates in 2022, throwing seven innings for the Phillies in a 6-0 home win on August 27. He gave up six hits and walked one, while striking out nine in the win.

In his last start on Monday, Gibson took the loss at home against the Rays. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on six hits, striking out four and walking two in the 3-0 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged only 1.8 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.3, while slashing worse across the board (.181/.278/.295). Against righties like Gibson this season, the Bucs have a .706 OPS.

Bryan Reynolds is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .976 OPS in 108 at-bats. Baltimore is averaging only 2.8 runs per game in the last five, down from 5.1 for the season, with their slash line falling across the board (.224/.314/.395).

The O’s have a .722 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .901 OPS over 88 at-bats, Rutschman has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Pittsburgh is on a six-game losing streak away from PNC Park, bringing their record to 11-10 in 2023. The Bucs have scored 4.9 runs per game away from home, while allowing 3.6 runs. Baltimore has won four in a row at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.

The O’s are 13-5 at home this season, averaging 4.4 runs per game while surrendering 3.6. In the last 10 meetings at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, Baltimore is 9-1 with an average scoreline of 5.4-3.7.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Pirates are second in the NL Central, one games behind the division-leading Brewers. The Orioles are second in the AL East, three games behind the Rays.