Can Pirates stay hot with lumber against Reds?
The Pirates are reaching historic heights at the plate. Manager Clint Hurdle hopes that sooner or later, his hurlers will push for the same standard.
Pittsburgh’s rip-roaring offense returns to PNC Park tonight, with a 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch against Cincinnati. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI hold the host squad in high esteem in this spot. As for the over/under total, it comes in at 7.5 runs.
The Buccos’ bats continue to blow the doors off the competition. They’ve accounted for 119 runs and a .294 average, the franchise’s highest in April since batting .331 in 1930. Infielder Josh Harrison leads the group with a .333 mark. Perennial MVP candidate Andrew McCutchen’s also up to his usual tricks, clubbing three homers in Tuesday’s 9-4 triumph over Colorado.
From top to bottom, the Pirates’ ultra-deep arsenal must seem like a nightmare for the Reds’ increasingly ugly staff outlook. Bryan Price’s club has posted a 6.90 ERA during a 1-6 stretch. The Mets handed Cincy its fourth straight defeat on Wednesday, and even a pretty proficient lineup is beginning to feel the pressure. Among regulars, only Zack Cozart (.397) and Brandon Phillips (.308) are hitting at better than a .284 clip.
MLB Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
Hurdle’s crew, of course, won’t stop raking. The team would benefit from superior pitching, though. Juan Nicasio (2-2, 4.50 ERA) shoots to squelch some of the concerns in several hours. The righty’s captured both of his starts in the Steel City, fanning 13 and walking two in 12 innings. On the flip side, he’s 0-2 with a 5.12 ERA in seven appearances vs. Cincinnati.
Whether McCutchen or Harrison inflicts the bulk of the damage, the Pirates will get to Cincinnati’s Dan Straily (0-0, 3.50). Can Cozart and company muster a counterpunch? We’re highly skeptical.
FRIDAY MLB FREE PICK: PIRATES -1.5
Want More Picks, Predictions & Odds From TheSpread.com? Follow on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!