Andrew McCutchen will be looking to extend his 17-game on-base streak as the Pittsburgh Pirates (37-42) host the San Diego Padres (37-43) at PNC Park on Thursday with the home team in position to sweep the three-game series.
The Pirates lead the series 2-0 after winning 7-1 on Wednesday. Mitch Keller went six innings, giving up one run on four hits, to get the win. Carlos Santana went 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs in the win. Xander Bogaerts was 2 for 4 with one RBI for the Padres.
ON THE MOUND
Joe Musgrove (6-2, 3.88 ERA) is slated for the start for San Diego. The right-hander allowed one run over seven innings in his last start, a 13-3 road win over the Nationals on Friday. He earned the win, giving up six hits while striking out seven.
Musgrove is making his first appearance against the Pirates this season. Over two starts against the Pirates in 2022, Musgrove was 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA over 13 innings. He had 15 strikeouts and two walks. For Pittsburgh, righty Luis Ortiz (2-3, 3.74 ERA) is on the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Padres.
In his last start on Friday, Ortiz got the win on the road against the Marlins. He threw eight innings and gave up one run on seven hits, striking out five and walking two in the 3-1 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, San Diego has averaged 4.2 runs a game, equal to their season average. Against righties like Ortiz this season, the Padres have a .691 OPS. Juan Soto is the team’s strongest hitter against right-handers with a 1.003 OPS in 185 at-bats.
Pittsburgh is averaging 4.4 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.2 for the season. The Bucs have a .696 OPS against right-handers in 2023. With a .932 OPS over 156 at-bats, Jack Suwinski has been their best hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
San Diego is 17-21 in away games in 2023, scoring 4.3 runs per game while allowing 4.3 runs. Pittsburgh has gone 20-19 at their home park this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 4.9. Pittsburgh is 6-4 in the last 10 games between the teams at PNC Park with an average scoreline of 5.7-5.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Padres are fourth in the NL West, 10 games behind the division-leading Diamondbacks. The Pirates are fourth in the NL Central, five games behind the Reds.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
SD Padres (-200)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
