Hot-hitting Marcus Semien will be looking to extend his 13-game hitting streak as the Texas Rangers (30-18) match up against the Pittsburgh Pirates (25-23) at PNC Park on Wednesday with the three-game Interleague series in the balance.
The Rangers leveled the series 1-1 after winning 6-1 on Tuesday. Nathan Eovaldi went the distance. He gave up one run on six hits en route to the win.
Josh Jung was 2 for 4 with a home run, two runs, and three RBIs in the win. Adolis Garcia added two doubles and one run. Andrew McCutchen’s on-base streak is now at 13 as he went 2 for 3 with a double and one run for the Pirates.
ON THE MOUND
Martin Perez (5-1, 4.01 ERA) is set to take the mound for Texas. The southpaw is tied for fifth in the AL in wins. Perez allowed two runs over seven innings in his last start, a 7-2 home win over the Rockies on Friday. He got the win, yielding seven hits while striking out seven.
Right-hander Johan Oviedo (3-3, 4.69 ERA) takes the mound for Pittsburgh. It’s his first appearance of the season against the Rangers.
In his last start on Friday, Oviedo got the win at home against the Diamondbacks. He threw six innings and gave up one run on two hits, striking out seven and walking three in the 13-3 triumph.
AT THE PLATE
Over the last five games, Texas has averaged 8.2 runs a game, up from their season average of 6.4, while performing better across the board (.314/.372/.541). Against righties like Oviedo this season, the Rangers have a .779 OPS, fourth highest in the league.
Semien is the team’s best hitter against right-handers with a .912 OPS in 139 at-bats. Pittsburgh is averaging 5.2 runs per game in the last five, up slightly from 4.4 for the season. The Bucs have a .792 OPS against left-handers in 2023. With a 1.145 OPS over 45 at-bats, Connor Joe has been their best hitter against left-handers.
HOME AND AWAY
Texas is 14-10 in road games in 2023, scoring 6.0 runs per game while allowing 3.8 runs. Pittsburgh has gone 12-12 at their home ballpark this season, averaging 4.0 runs per game while surrendering 4.9. In the last 10 meetings at PNC Park, Texas is 6-4 with an average scoreline of 5.0-3.9.
STANDINGS UPDATE
The Rangers lead the AL West by two games over the Astros. The Pirates are second in the NL Central, one games behind the Brewers.
SportsTips’ MLB Pick:
Texas Rangers (-115)
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*Odds correct at time of publication, courtesy of BetMGM.
