The Milwaukee Brewers (34-34), one of the weakest lineups in the NL, are set to host the Pittsburgh Pirates (34-33) at American Family Field on Friday for the first of a three-game series. The Pirates are in the midst of a six-game road trip.
They are coming off a three-game sweep at the hands of the Cubs, dropping the finale 7-2 on Thursday at Wrigley Field. Jason Delay was 2 for 3 with one run.
The Brewers are back home for a six-game homestand. They are coming off a two-game sweep at the hands of the Twins, dropping the finale 4-2 on Wednesday at Target Field for their sixth straight loss. Brian Anderson went 1 for 3 with a solo home run. Luis Urias added a solo home run.
The teams are meeting for the first time this season. The Brewers won the 2022 season series between the NL Central rivals (11-8), including two out of three in their most recent meeting at American Family Field in August.
ON THE MOUND
Mitch Keller (8-2, 3.41 ERA) is set for the start for Pittsburgh. The righty is tied for the NL lead in wins and is second in strikeouts (101). Keller allowed one run over seven innings in his last start, a 2-1 home win over the Mets on Sunday.
He earned the win, yielding two hits while striking out seven and walking two. Over three starts against the Brewers in 2022, Keller was 0-1 with a 3.94 ERA over 16 innings. He had 18 strikeouts and four walks. RHP Julio Teheran (1-2, 1.48 ERA) takes the mound for Milwaukee.
In his last start on Saturday, Teheran took a no-decision at home against the Athletics. He threw seven innings and gave up one run on six hits, striking out six and walking one in the 2-1 loss.
AT THE PLATE
The Pittsburgh offense is averaging 4.4 runs per game for the season, with a slash line of .248/.326/.407. Four Pirates hitters have an OPS of .800 or better, led by Jack Suwinski (.894). The right fielder is slashing .243/.358/.536 with 15 home runs, 35 RBIs, and 29 runs over 58 games.
Over the last five games, though, Pittsburgh has averaged only 2.8 runs a game while performing worse across the board (.221/.287/.368). Against right-handed pitchers like Teheran this season, the Bucs have a .718 OPS. Rodolfo Castro is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .498 OPS in 84 at-bats.
Milwaukee is slashing .229/.306/.377 for the season and averaging 4.0 runs per game, the second lowest in the NL. Christian Yelich leads the team with a .791 OPS.
The right fielder has nine home runs, 30 RBIs, and 46 runs scored with a slash line of .269/.361/.430. The Brew Crew have a .696 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .854 OPS over 175 at-bats, Yelich also 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 16-17 in 2023. The Bucs have scored 4.7 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.3 runs. Milwaukee has lost four in a row at home.
The Brew Crew are 18-16 at home this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.3. Milwaukee is 7-3 in the last 10 games between the teams at American Family Field with an average scoreline of 4.7-3.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Pirates lead the NL Central by zero games over the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Pittsburgh Penguins (-105)
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