The Philadelphia Phillies (71-55) host the Pittsburgh Pirates (47-78) at Citizens Bank Park on Saturday.The Phillies took Friday’s series opener 7-4, their fifth straight victory overall and fifth in a row head-to-head, including all five games against the Pirates this season. Starter Bailey Falter went six innings for the win, allowing three runs on five hits and striking out six, and Brad Hand earned his fifth save with a scoreless ninth. Rhys Hoskins went 2 for 4 with a double, two runs, and one RBI in the win. Rodolfo Castro was 2 for 4 with a solo home run for the Pirates.
ON THE MOUND
Tyler Beede (1-3, 4.13 ERA) is in line to take the mound for Pittsburgh. The RHP allowed five runs (four earned) over four innings in his last start, a 10-1 home defeat against the Reds on August 20. He was charged with the loss, giving up six hits while striking out two and walking one. Beede has made one previous appearance against the Phillies this season, an 8-2 home loss on July 31. He allowed two hits over three scoreless innings, striking out one. For Philadelphia, righty Kyle Gibson (8-5, 4.30 ERA) will toe the rubber. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Pirates. Gibson made two appearances against the Pirates in 2021, both as the starter, striking out 11 and walking four over 12.2 innings (1-0, 4.26).In his last start on Sunday, Gibson took a no-decision at home against the Mets. He threw 4.1 innings and gave up four runs (2 ER) on eight hits, striking out three and walking three in the 10-9 loss.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged 2.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 3.6. Against right-handed pitchers like Gibson this season, the Bucs have a .647 OPS, the third lowest in MLB. Bryan Reynolds is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .819 OPS in 279 at-bats. Philadelphia is averaging 5.8 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.7 for the season, with an improved slash line (.293/.337/.467). The Phils have a .721 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .858 OPS over 296 at-bats, Kyle Schwarber 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 21-42 in 2022. The Bucs have scored 3.3 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.9 runs. Philadelphia has won five in a row at their home ballpark. The Phils are 38-29 at home this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. In the last 10 games between the teams at Citizens Bank Park, Philadelphia is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 6.1-3.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Pirates are fifth in the NL Central, 24 games behind the division-leading Cardinals. The Phillies are third in the NL East, nine games behind the Mets.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Philadelphia Phillies (-275)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
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