Hot-hitting Marcus Semien will be looking to extend his 12-game hitting streak as the Texas Rangers (29-18) match up against the Pittsburgh Pirates (25-22) at PNC Park on Tuesday.
The Pirates took Monday’s series opener 6-4. Luis Ortiz went 7.2 innings for the win, giving up two runs on five hits. Tucupita Marcano went 2 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs in the win. Josh Jung was 2 for 4 with a home run and two RBIs for the Rangers.
ON THE MOUND
Nathan Eovaldi (5-2, 2.83 ERA) is set to take the mound for Texas. The right-hander is tied for fourth in the AL in wins. Eovaldi allowed three runs over seven innings in his last start, a 6-5 road defeat against the Braves on Wednesday. He scattered five hits while striking out five and walking two in the no-decision.
For Pittsburgh, left-hander Rich Hill (4-3, 3.80 ERA) is on the mound. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rangers. Hill made two appearances against the Rangers in 2022, both as the starter, striking out six and walking four over 10 innings (1-0, 5.40).
In his last start on Wednesday, Hill got the win on the road against the Tigers. He threw six scoreless innings and gave up one hit, striking out seven and walking two in the 8-0 victory.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Texas has averaged 8.0 runs a game, up from their season average of 6.4, while slashing better across the board (.308/.374/.550). Against lefties like Hill this season, the Rangers have ann .841 OPS, third highest in MLB.
Jung is the team’s best hitter against left-handers with a 1.065 OPS in 44 at-bats. Pittsburgh is averaging 6.6 runs per game in the last five, up from 4.4 for the season, with a better slash line (.291/.362/.419).
The Bucs have a .699 OPS against righties in 2023. With a .527 SLG over 94 at-bats, Bryan Reynolds has been their best power hitter against right-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Texas is 13-10 away from home in 2023, scoring 6.0 runs per game while allowing 3.9 runs. Pittsburgh has gone 12-11 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.1 runs per game while surrendering 4.8. In nine meetings at PNC Park, Texas is 5-4 with an average scoreline of 4.9-4.2.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by one games over the Astros. The Pirates lead the NL Central by zero games over the Pirates.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Texas Rangers (-165)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
