MLB
Pirates Sweep Padres And Look To Gain Momentum
Pirates Head On Another Road Trip
This week, the Pirates are back on the road, this time in Houston. They finished an abysmal road trip previously that only saw two victories out of 11 games played. The Pirates came off a five-game home stand losing only one game to the Tigers. Pirates sweep Padres and look to gain momentum.
Pirates Last Road Trip
On the most recent road trip, the Pirates visited Milwaukee, Atlanta and Miami. However, this is a road trip the Pirates would definitely like to forget about as they only came away with two wins and were out-scored 62-52 during the 11-game road trip.
Mini Home Stand
Over the past week, the Pirates faced the Detroit Tigers for a short two-game series and welcomed the San Diego Padres for three more games. As such, there is a bit of a bright side to the most recent home stand. The Pirates only lost one game and they eventually took all three games from the Padres. Additionally, some key players are starting to make their way back from injury.
Current Road Trip
The Pirates will head to Houston to play three games starting tonight. They’ll finish the road trip at Milwaukee with three games.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Currently, the Pittsburgh Pirates are tied for last place in the NL Central division with the Cincinnati Reds. They have a record of 36-40 and are six games behind first place Chicago Cubs. Interestingly enough, the Pirates are 6-4 in their ten games after their long losing streak.
On the road, Pittsburgh’s record is 19-21. Meanwhile, at home it’s not much better with a record of 17-19.
Houston Astros
The Astros are currently in first place in the AL West with a record of 49-30. However, they’re 3-7 in their last ten ball games. Houston has done well both at home and on the road. Furthermore, the Astros have a home record of 27-11 and their road record is 22-19.
The Astros also hold a six game lead in the AL West in front of second place and in-state rival Texas Rangers.
Pitching Match-Ups
In game one, the Astros will send former Pirate RHP Gerrit Cole (6-5, 3.54 ERA, 148 strikeouts) and the Pirates will counter-act with RHP Trevor Williams (2-1, 4.12 ERA, 49 strikeouts). In game two, the Astros will send LHP Framber Valdez (3-3, 3.61 ERA, 39 strikeouts). At this time, it’s unclear who the Pirates will send to oppose Valdez.
Finally, in game three, the Astros will send RHP Brad Peacock (6-5, 3.62 ERA, 87 strikeouts). The Pirates will counter-act with RHP Joe Musgrove (5-7, 4.57 ERA, 69 strikeouts).
Conclusion
Pirates sweep Padres and look to gain momentum. Sweeping a team never hurts. With the way the Pirates fortunes have been this season, the Pirates will look to have some momentum gained. Getting Trevor Williams back was huge. However, more needs to be done. The Pirates should consider trading a piece or two away.
Written by Tom Johnston
Photo credit to Pirates via Twitter
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