Pirates to keep pouring it on Diamondbacks?
Don’t look now, but the National League Central Division race seems poised to get a lot more interesting.
The Pirates hope to continue their scorching play of late in tonight’s tussle against the Diamondbacks, with a 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch at PNC Park. Online sports book Bovada.lv definitely leans toward the hosts here, whereas Arizona receives odds of +106 to spring the upset. The over/under run figure resides at 8.5.
Thanks to an explosive homestand at the plate, the Buccos have climbed within five games of the first-place Cubs. Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen and the rest of the gang boast a .332 average since May 17. Gregory Polanco actually stole the show in yesterday’s 12-1 triumph, collecting three base knocks and five RBIs. He’s batting .317 with three bombs and 13 RBIs in 15 games in the No. 3 hole of Clint Hurdle’s lineup.
Pitching, however, could represent a slight concern this evening. Jeff Locke is 0-2 with a 7.88 ERA in three turns vs. the D-backs. Nonetheless, the lefty managed to limit Atlanta to two runs across seven innings last week.
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Chip Hale responds with Rubby De La Rosa, he of the 4-4 record and 3.53 ERA. The righty endured a miserable April before rediscovering his command over the past five starts. Groin tightness and a blister, though, robbed the Dominican Republic native of his most recent scheduled appearance.
Simply put, Arizona’s in freefall mode. The uncertain status of middle infielder Jean Segura, who took a ball to the head about 16 hours ago, doesn’t help matters. Bank on Pittsburgh to continue a dominant run against the lower class of the NL West.
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