Free MLB Picks Today: Pittsburgh Pirates vs Philadelphia Phillies 8/28/22

The Pittsburgh Pirates (47-79) are on the road to face the Philadelphia Phillies (72-55) at Citizens Bank Park on Sunday with the home team looking for a sweep of the three-game series. The Phillies lead the series 2-0 after winning 6-0 on Saturday, their sixth straight victory overall and sixth in a row head-to-head, including all six games against the Pirates this season. Starter Kyle Gibson threw seven scoreless innings- striking out nine – to get the win. Bryce Harper went 1 for 2 with two walks and one run in the win. Jean Segura added a double and one run. Greg Allen was 2 for 3 for the Pirates.

ON THE MOUND

Roansy Contreras (3-4, 3.86 ERA) is in line to start for Pittsburgh. The right-hander allowed two runs over seven innings in his last start, a 2-1 home defeat against the Braves on Monday. He took the loss, scattering four hits while striking out five and walking three. For Philadelphia, right-hander Noah Syndergaard (8-8, 3.77 ERA) takes the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Pirates. In his last start on Monday, Syndergaard got the win at home against the Reds. He threw seven innings and gave up one run on three hits, striking out one and walking two in the 4-1 triumph.

AT THE PLATE

Over the last five games, Pittsburgh has averaged only 1.6 runs a game, down from their season average of 3.6, while slashing worse across the board (.175/.211/.318). Against righties like Syndergaard this season, the Bucs have a .645 OPS, third lowest in the league. Bryan Reynolds is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a .808 OPS in 283 at-bats. Philadelphia is averaging 6.2 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.7 for the season, with an improved slash line (.289/.348/.446). The Phils have a .723 OPS against right-handers in 2022. With a .858 OPS over 299 at-bats, Kyle Schwarber has been their best hitter against right-handers.

HOME AND AWAY

Pittsburgh is on a six-game losing streak in road games, bringing their record to 21-43 in 2022. The Bucs have scored 3.3 runs per game away from home, while allowing 4.9 runs. Philadelphia has won six in a row at home. The Phils are 39-29 at home this season, averaging 4.8 runs per game while surrendering 4.0. In the last 10 games at Citizens Bank Park between the teams, Philadelphia is 8-2 with an average scoreline of 6.1-3.7.

STANDINGS UPDATE

The Pirates are fifth in the NL Central, 25 games behind the division-leading Cardinals. The Phillies are third in the NL East, nine games behind the Mets.