Mitch Keller, one of this season’s toughest pitchers, is set to take the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates (24-20) as they face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks (25-20) at PNC Park on Saturday. The Pirates took Friday’s series opener 13-3.
Johan Oviedo went six innings, giving up one run on two hits and striking out seven, to get the win. Ji Hwan Bae went 3 for 4 with a double, two runs, and one RBI in the win. Ke’Bryan Hayes went 3 for 5 with two doubles, one run, and three RBIs. Geraldo Perdomo was 1 for 4 with a solo home run for the Diamondbacks.
ON THE MOUND
Brandon Pfaadt (0-1, 8.59 ERA) is in line for the start for Arizona. The RHP allowed one run over five innings in his last start, a 2-1 road win over the Giants on Sunday.
He scattered one hit while striking out five and walking three in the no-decision.RHP Keller (5-1, 2.38 ERA) will toe the rubber for Pittsburgh.
It’s his first appearance of the season against the Diamondbacks. Keller made one start against the Diamondbacks in 2022, throwing 5.1 innings in a 6-4 road win on August 10.
He gave up five hits and walked one, while striking out three in the win. In his last start on Sunday, Keller got the win on the road against the Orioles.
He threw seven scoreless innings and gave up four hits, striking out 13, in the 4-0 triumph. The right-hander ranks third in the NL in strikeouts (69), fourth in ERA, and tied for fourth in wins.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Arizona has averaged 4.6 runs a game, a small drop compared to their season average of 5.1. Against right-handed pitchers like Keller this season, the D-backs have a .780 OPS, fourth highest in the league.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is the team’s most potent producer against right-handers with a .951 OPS in 97 at-bats. Pittsburgh is averaging 5.0 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.5 for the season.
The Bucs have a .704 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .949 OPS over 85 at-bats, Jack Suwinski has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Arizona is 11-10 on the road in 2023, scoring 5.1 runs per game while allowing 5.7 runs. Pittsburgh has gone 11-9 at their home park this season, averaging 4.2 runs per game while surrendering 4.8.
The teams have split their last 10 games at PNC Park, though Arizona has the scoring advantage with an average final margin of 4.2-3.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Diamondbacks are second in the NL West, three games behind the division-leading Dodgers. The Pirates lead the NL Central by zero games over the Pirates.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Pittsburgh Pirates (-155)
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