Free MLB Picks Today: Milwaukee Brewers vs Pittsburgh Pirates 6/18/23

The Pittsburgh Pirates (34-35) are on the road to face the Milwaukee Brewers (36-34) at American Family Field on Sunday with the home team looking to sweep the three-game series.

The Brewers lead the series 2-0 after winning 5-0 on Saturday. Wade Miley threw five scoreless innings for the win. Blake Perkins went 1 for 1 with a solo home run in the win. Joey Wiemer added a home run and two RBIs. Carlos Santana was 2 for 3 for the Pirates.

ON THE MOUND

Luis Ortiz (1-3, 4.64 ERA) is set to get the start for Pittsburgh. The RHP allowed four runs over 5.1 innings in his last start, an 11-3 home defeat against the Cubs on Tuesday.

He was charged with the loss, giving up six hits while striking out four and walking two. For Milwaukee, right-hander Freddy Peralta (5-6, 4.73 ERA) will toe the rubber.

It’s his first appearance of the season against the Pirates. Peralta made three appearances against the Pirates in 2022, all as the starter, striking out 13 and walking two over 14.2 innings (0-0, 1.84).

In his last start on June 11, Peralta took the loss at home against the Athletics. He threw five innings and gave up four runs on three hits, striking out five and walking two in the 8-6 defeat.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged only 3.0 runs a game, down from their season average of 4.3, while slashing worse across the board (.216/.282/.364). Against righties like Peralta this season, the Bucs have a .715 OPS, the highest in the league.

Jack Suwinski is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a 1.008 OPS in 136 at-bats. Milwaukee is averaging 4.6 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.1 for the season.

The Brew Crew have a .696 OPS against right-handers in 2023, the highest in MLB. With a .849 OPS over 176 at-bats, Christian Yelich has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Pittsburgh is on a five-game losing streak on the road, bringing their record to 16-19 in 2023. The Bucs have scored 4.5 runs per game away from home while allowing 4.4 runs.

Milwaukee has gone 20-16 at home this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 4.2. In the last 10 games between the NL Central rivals at American Family Field, Milwaukee is 7-3 with an average scoreline of 4.7-3.3.