Gameday 148: Pirates look to even series against Royals with Mitch Keller on the mound

Mitch Keller vs Michael Wacha

Photo Credit: Ryan Palencer

After losing the first game of their series against the Royals, the Pirates look to bounce back with Mitch Keller on the mound.

Luis Ortiz had a rough start, allowing seven runs in total across five innings pitched. Bryan Reynolds hit a pair of doubles, and Oneil Cruz added another. He now has 34 on the season.

They also drove in two of the three runs the Pirates scored.

The Pirates will face a familiar face on Saturday, as former St. Louis Cardinal Michael Wacha is scheduled to pitch. He is 7-3 with a 3.68 ERA in 18 games (16 starts) against the Pirates during his career.

Mitch Keller will be on the mound for the Pirates. He’s pitched better in September after an August that saw him put up a 6.75 ERA.

First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 pm ET.

Pirates Lineup

SS - Isiah Kiner-Falefa

LF - Bryan Reynolds

CF - Oneil Cruz

DH - Andrew McCutchen

2B - Nick Gonzales

RF - Bryan De La Cruz

C - Yasmani Grandal

3B - Jared Triolo

1B - Billy Cook

Royals Lineup

DH - Tommy Pham

SS - Bobby Witt Jr.

1B - Salvador Perez

2B - Michael Massey

C - Freddy Fermin

LF - MJ Melendez

RF - Adam Frazier

3B - Maikel Garcia

CF - Kyle Isbel

Pitching Matchup

PIT - Mitch Keller (11-9, 3.85 ERA, 163.2 IP, 42 BB, 153 K)

KC - Michael Wacha (12-7, 3.34 ERA, 151 IP, 40 BB, 130 K)

Yesterday’s Feature

Wilber Dotel fine-tuning stuff amidst step forward in 2024

Today’s Feature

Pirates 2024 Minor League Recaps: Bradenton Part 1, Hitters

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