Andrew McCutchen will be looking to extend his 20-game on-base streak as the Pittsburgh Pirates (39-43) host the Milwaukee Brewers (44-39) at PNC Park on Sunday with the three-game series in the balance.
The Brewers evened up the series 1-1 after winning 11-8 on Saturday, their fourth head-to-head victory in five games this season. Corbin Burnes went seven innings to get the win, giving up two runs on one hit and striking out seven, and Joel Payamps picked up his second save with a scoreless ninth.
Raimel Tapia was 2 for 3 with a home run and three runs in the win. Christian Yelich added a home run, three runs, and three RBIs. Jack Suwinski went 2 for 4 with a home run and four RBIs for the Pirates.
ON THE MOUND
Colin Rea (4-4, 4.57 ERA) is slated to get the start for Milwaukee. The righty allowed one run over 6.1 innings in his last start, a 2-1 home win over the Mets on Monday. He was credited with the win, scattering three hits while striking out three and walking one.
Southpaw Rich Hill (7-7, 4.45 ERA) will toe the rubber for Pittsburgh. He has made one prior start against the Brewers this season, giving up four runs (3 ER) over five innings in a 5-4 road defeat on June 16. He gave up three hits and walked six while striking out five in the loss.
In his last start on Tuesday, Hill got the win at home against the Padres. He threw six innings and gave up four runs on nine hits, striking out four and walking two in the 9-4 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Milwaukee has averaged 5.6 runs a game, up from their season average of 4.1, while performing better across the board (.259/.342/.385). Against left-handed pitchers like Hill this season, the Brew Crew have a .642 OPS, the lowest in MLB.
Joey Wiemer is the team’s best performer against left-handers with a .990 OPS in 64 at-bats. Pittsburgh is averaging 7.4 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.3 for the season, with an improved slash line (.308/.357/.500).
The Bucs have a .694 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .413 OBP over 162 at-bats, McCutchen has their highest on-base percentage against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Milwaukee is 22-21 on the road in 2023, scoring 4.0 runs per game while allowing 4.4 runs. Pittsburgh has gone 22-20 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.3 runs per game while surrendering 5.1.
Pittsburgh is 6-4 in the last 10 games between the NL Central rivals at PNC Park despite an average scoreline favoring Milwaukee (6.7-5.3).
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Brewers lead the NL Central by zero games over the Reds. The Pirates are third in the NL Central, four games behind the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Milwaukee Brewers (-110)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
