Free MLB Picks Today: New York Yankees vs Pittsburgh Pirates 9/21/22

Hot-hitting Aaron Judge will be looking to extend his 10-game hitting streak as the New York Yankees (89-58) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (55-93) at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday with the home team eyeing a sweep of the two-game Interleague series. The Yankees took Tuesday’s series opener 9-8, their second head-to-head victory in three games this season. Reliever Aroldis Chapman threw one scoreless inning to get the win. Judge’s hitting streak hit 10 as he went 1 for 4 with a solo home run in the win. Bryan Reynolds was 4 for 5 with a home run, two runs, and two RBIs for the Pirates.

ON THE MOUND

Roansy Contreras (5-4, 3.24 ERA) is slated to start for Pittsburgh. The RHP allowed one run over four innings in his last start, a 10-4 home win over the Reds on September 14. He gave up three hits while striking out three in the no-decision. Righty Luis Severino (5-3, 3.45 ERA) gets the ball for New York. He has made one prior start against the Pirates this season, holding opposing hitters scoreless over six innings in a 16-0 road win on July 6. He gave up four hits while striking out three in the win. In his last start on July 13, Severino took a no-decision at home against the Reds. He threw two innings and gave up four runs on four hits, striking out one and walking two in the 7-6 win.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged 3.2 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 3.6. Against righties like Severino this season, the Bucs have a .653 OPS, third lowest in MLB. Reynolds is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .801 OPS in 350 at-bats. New York is averaging 6.6 runs per game in the last five, up from 5.0 for the season, with a better slash line (.281/.345/.481). The Yanks have a .744 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a 1.160 OPS over 403 at-bats, Judge has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Pittsburgh is on a five-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 27-50 in 2022. The Bucs have scored 3.4 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.8 runs. New York has won three in a row in front of their home fans. The Yanks are 51-22 at home this season, averaging 5.2 runs per game while surrendering 3.4. In four games at Yankee Stadium between the teams, New York is 3-1 with an average scoreline of 5.8-4.3.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Pirates are fifth in the NL Central, 31 games behind the division-leading Cardinals. The Yankees lead the AL East by five games over the Blue Jays.