- What: MLB Regular Season Game
- When: Saturday, August 3
- Who: Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
- Time: 6:40 p.m. ET
- Where: PNC Park (Pittsburgh, PA)
The Arizona Diamondbacks will continue their three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday at PNC Park.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks are holding onto the last spot in the National League Wildcard race, staying afloat despite inconsistent pitching and numerous injuries. However, another significant injury is testing their resilience again.
Christian Walker is out indefinitely, and there is no set timeline for his return. To compensate for his absence, the Diamondbacks traded for Josh Bell, who will now be relied upon to provide some power to the lineup.
Bell’s performance will be crucial as he attempts to give Arizona a boost. Additionally, Lourdes Gurriel, although inconsistent, remains a solid hitter for the team.
The other? Also a Diamondback. ????
(Felipe Lopez in 2009 for those wondering) pic.twitter.com/B70rAUwNW5
— Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) August 3, 2024
Ketel Marte entered the weekend as one of the Diamondbacks’ top hitters, leading the team in hits and home runs. Meanwhile, Corbin Carroll struggled in his sophomore season after an outstanding rookie year.
Pitcher Jordan Montgomery has had a rough season, showing inconsistency that contrasts with his usual reliability as an innings eater.
Once Montgomery leaves the mound, the game will be handed over to a bullpen ranked 21st in team ERA. Closer Paul Sewald has also struggled, posting a 0-2 record with a 4.39 ERA and converting 16 saves in 20 opportunities.
The Diamondbacks will cover the spread if their revamped lineup can generate runs early. Additionally, they need Montgomery to avoid critical mistakes on the mound.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates entered the weekend trailing the Diamondbacks by 2 1/2 games for the final spot in the NL Wildcard, remaining very much alive in the race. However, to keep their hopes alive, they need more offensive production.
Bryan Reynolds, the team’s best hitter, leads the Pirates in hits and home runs and aims to continue his strong performance.
The recent acquisition of Bryan de La Cruz is expected to boost their lineup, with an anticipated immediate impact significantly.
Oneil Cruz remains a consistent presence in the lineup, while Andrew McCutchen continues to defy age with his contributions at the top of the order.
Game 2 vs. the Diamondbacks.
???? @SNPittsburgh
???? @937theFan | The PRN #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/S6szohn7ug— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 3, 2024
Mitch Keller has been highly efficient recently, recording quality starts in three of his last four outings, and is one of the most reliable arms in the rotation.
Once Keller exits, the bullpen, ranked 23rd in team ERA, takes over.
Closer David Bednar has been inconsistent, entering the weekend with a 3-3 record, a 4.95 ERA, and 19 saves in 22 opportunities.
The Pirates will cover the spread if their offense can generate enough runs to support Keller. This is not just a possibility, but a necessity for the team’s success.
Additionally, Keller needs to maintain his recent form and handle a challenging Diamondbacks lineup effectively.
Diamondbacks-Pirates Best Bet
The Diamondbacks won two out of three games against the Pirates at home last weekend. However, they will be sending their weakest pitcher to the mound while facing a strong opponent.
Despite the Pirates’ overall struggles this season, they have excelled at covering the run line, while the Diamondbacks have been mediocre in this regard.
Though Jordan Montgomery has had a rough season, he has a decent track record against the Pirates, with a 1-3 record and a 2.63 ERA in eight games.
Expect Montgomery to bounce back, but the Pirates should have enough to cover the spread.
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