Gameday 16: Pirates look for series split with Mitch Keller on the mound
After losting two of three, Pirates look to salvage split against Phillies
It’s been a rough series for the Pirates in Philadelphia, as they have dropped two of the three games. They have a chance to escape with a series sweep, with Zack Wheeler the only thing standing in their way.
Mitch Keller will be on the mound for the Pirates, looking to build off his last outing.
After another strong start by Marco Gonzales, the Pirates' rotation continues to be a strength. They’ve put together the sixth-best staff ERA this season.
Oneil Cruz's third home run of the season gave the offense a little boost yesterday.
First pitch is expected at 1:35 pm ET.
Pirates Lineup
SS - Oneil Cruz
RF - Bryan Reynolds
3B - Ke’Bryan Hayes
1B - Rowdy Tellez
DH - Andrew McCutchen
LF - Jack Suwinski
2B - Jared Triolo
CF - Michael A. Taylor
C - Joey Bart
Phillies Lineup
DH - Kyle Schwarber
SS - Trea Turner
1B - Bryce Harper
C - JT Realmuto
3B - Alec Bohm
LF - Brandon Marsh
RF - Nick Castellanos
2B - Bryson Stott
CF - Johan Rojas
Pitching Matchup
PIT - Mitch Keller (1-1, 5.29 ERA, 17 IP, 7 BB, 17 K)
PHI - Zack Wheeler (0-2, 1.89 ERA, 19 IP, 2 BB, 20 K)
Yesterday’s Feature
Ethan looked at the Opening Day payroll of the 2024 Pittsburgh Pirates yesterday.
Today’s Feature
Each minor league affiliate has gone through its rotation at least once, so I decided to look at who is pitching and where to start the season.
Marco Gonzales to the IL, Ryder Ryan recalled.
Not many days you’ll win comfortably with 15 strikeouts from the lineup. I’ll take it though 👍
I think there is blessings and curse both wrapped into the season opening philosophy of working counts, working rotations and seeing a crap ton of pitches. In some ways and times it has helped….other times it just means they’re watching grooved pitches early in counts then having to take protect swings against crap pitches once they are in a hole.
I think it’s one of those things they may have to chess-match with a little bit. Every now and then, whether for a couple innings at a time or a couple games, just come swinging. Then back to patient. Can’t afford to let the league have any type of 100% book on you for any habit, good or bad, methinks.