MLB
Pirates Begin Three-Game Series
After taking three of four games from NL Central foe Cardinals, the Pirates begin a three-game series with Diamondbacks tonight in Phoenix, Arizona.
Last Series Against the Diamondbacks
The last time both teams faced each other was a little while ago when the Diamondbacks came to Pittsburgh. The Diamondbacks would eventually sweep the four-game series as the Pirates got blown out twice in the series, 12-4 in game one and 11-2 in game three. The Diamondbacks also outscored the Pirates in that series 30-5. That four-game sweep by the Diamondbacks started an eight-game losing streak.
Current Series
Beginning tonight, the Pirates will face the Diamondbacks in a three-game series. This time the Pirates have redemption on their mind and look to return the favor.
Pitching Match-Ups
In game one tonight, the Pirates will give the ball to RHP Nick Kingham (1-0, 5.94 ERA, 18 strikeouts). For the Arizona Diamondbacks, LHP Robbie Ray (2-1, 3.30 ERA, 55 strikeouts). When it comes to D-Backs hitters having success against Kingham, only Wilmer Flores has a .333 avg with one home run and two RBIs in three at-bats. When it comes to the Pirates’ hitters, Josh Bell has five at-bats, one home run and two RBIs with a .200 avg against Ray. In game two, the Pirates will give the ball to RHP Joe Musgrove (1-4, 4.20 ERA, 35 strikeouts). For the D-Backs, RHP Luke Weaver (3-1, 2.98 ERA, 50 strikeouts). When it come to D-Backs hitters’ success against Musgrove, Eduardo Escobar has a .333 avg with one home run and one RBI in three at-bats. When it comes to Pirates’ hitters success against Weaver, there are a few. Colin Moran loves hitting Weaver as in eight at-bats, Moran has a .375 avg along with one home run and one RBI. Jung Ho Kang also has found some success against Weaver with a .500 avg in two at-bats with a home run and RBI.
In game three, the Pirates will hand the ball to RHP Chris Archer (1-2, 4.33 ERA, 29 strikeouts). The D-Backs, will counter with RHP Zack Greinke (5-1, 3.16 ERA, 57 strikeouts). When it comes to Diamondbacks hitters aganst Archer, there are a plethora of players that enjoy his pitching. Adam Jones is a career .326 hitter with two home runs and eight RBIs. Keep in mind that Archer used to pitch for Tampa Bay and Jones played for the division rival Baltimore Orioles, so they’ve seen each other a lot. David Peralta is a career .667 hitter with a home run and RBI. Not many Pirates’ hitters have success against Greinke. However, Gregory Polanco does have one home run off Greinke.
Conclusion
Pirates begin three-game series with the Diamondbacks. The Pirates look to keep the momentum going after taking three of four from NL Central foe Cardinals.
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Written by Tom Johnston
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Photo Credit to Pirates via Twitter
