The Pittsburgh Pirates (34-40) are on the road to face the Miami Marlins (43-33) at loanDepot Park on Friday. The Marlins took Thursday’s series opener 6-4.
Reliever Huascar Brazoban was credited with the win after throwing 0.1 scoreless innings, and A.J. Puk picked up his 10th save with a scoreless ninth.
Garrett Cooper went 3 for 4 with a home run and a double in the win. He scored two runs and had three RBIs. Ke’Bryan Hayes was 2 for 4 with a solo home run and a double for the Pirates. Henry Davis added a solo home run.
ON THE MOUND
Luis Ortiz (1-3, 4.30 ERA) is set for the start for Pittsburgh. The RHP allowed one run over 4.2 innings in his last start, a 5-2 road defeat against the Brewers on Sunday. He scattered four hits while striking out six and walking three in the no-decision.
For Miami, LHP Jesus Luzardo (6-5, 4.09 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Pirates. In his last start on Sunday, Luzardo got the win on the road against the Nationals. He threw six innings and gave up two runs on five hits, striking out five and walking one in the 4-2 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged only 1.8 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.1, while slashing worse across the board (.135/.216/.239). Against left-handed pitchers like Luzardo this season, the Bucs have a .752 OPS.
Connor Joe has the team’s best on-base percentage against left-handers at .409 over 80 at-bats. Miami is averaging 4.8 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.1 for the season.
The Fish have a .700 OPS against righties in 2023. With a .962 OPS over 208 at-bats, Luis Arraez has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Pittsburgh is on a seven-game losing streak away from PNC Park, bringing their record to 16-21 in 2023. The Bucs have scored 4.4 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.4 runs. Miami has gone 23-15 at home this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 4.1.
In the last 10 games between the teams at loanDepot Park, each club has won five, though Pittsburgh has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 3.9-3.5.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Pirates are fourth in the NL Central, five games behind the division-leading Reds. The Marlins are second in the NL East, six games behind the Braves.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Miami Marlins (-190)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
