Richard Dean
Updated on: October 11, 2024 12:26 am GMT
The Pittsburgh Pirates are on a four-game winning streak as they prepare to face the Kansas City Royals in the first game of a three-game series at PNC Park, set to take place at 6:40 p.m. ET on Friday. The Pirates, who currently hold a record of 70-76, are hoping to capitalize on their recent momentum against the second-place Royals, who enter the matchup with an 80-67 record.
Series Overview
The upcoming series marks the first encounter between these two teams in the 2023 season, although the Pirates previously swept the Royals in their last series in 2022. This year’s contest showcases two teams with different trajectories; the Royals are battling for playoff contention in the American League Central, while the Pirates are looking to solidify their rebuilding efforts.
Recent Performance and Stats
The Royals recently faced the New York Yankees, losing two of three games in the series. Their recent performance includes a mix of success and challenges, as they are 5-9 in their last 14 games. Conversely, the Pirates have shown signs of improvement, particularly in September, pushing their record to 7-3 over the last ten games.
- Kansas City Royals:
- Runs Scored: 4.71 runs/game (10th in MLB)
- Runs Allowed: 4.07 runs/game (8th in MLB)
- Pittsburgh Pirates:
- Runs Scored: 4.24 runs/game (19th in MLB)
- Runs Allowed: 4.55 runs/game (21st in MLB)
The Pirates have struggled to score home runs this season, ranking among the bottom four teams in that category and possessing the fifth-lowest on-base percentage in baseball.
Key Players to Watch
Both teams will feature key players, some of whom have recently shown improved performance.
Pirates Spotlight
Oneil Cruz has been a notable player for the Pirates, although he has been moving around defensively. He possesses promising power and speed but has also struggled with strikeouts, holding a high strikeout rate of 30.6%. Another player to highlight is veteran Andrew McCutchen, who has been impressive since August, with a batting line of .339/.414/.746 and seven home runs in 17 games.
The pitching staff also plays a critical role for the Pirates. Luis Ortiz is among the top pitchers for the team, boasting a current ERA of 3.26. Additionally, Mitch Keller, an All-Star last year, has displayed contrasting home and away performances, with a solid 2.82 ERA at PNC Park.
Royals Spotlight
For the Royals, Jared Jones, despite missing earlier time due to injury, has returned to form, striking out nine batters in his last start and showcasing his 97.3 mph fastball. The Pirates will need to be cautious of his ability to miss bats consistently.
Even though the Royals have exhibited their fair share of talent, they will be cautious, with former All-Star Aroldis Chapman, who was a key contributor in the bullpen, known for his high strikeout rate but also concerning walk numbers.
Defensive Strategies
Pittsburgh’s success on the base paths has been remarkable, with an 85% success rate in stolen bases, leading the league. However, their defense has remained a concern with many players struggling in that area. On the contrary, the Royals have shown some defensive prowess, which could play a crucial role in limiting the Pirates’ scoring chances.
Looking Ahead
With both teams looking to solidify their respective standings, the matchup at PNC Park promises to be competitive. The Pirates, while they aim to keep their recent win streak alive, have a challenge ahead against a Royals team with a strong record. As they prepare to start this series, the Pirates will rely heavily on their pitching and the performance of key hitters to secure a victory.
Fans can expect an exciting game filled with strategic plays, particularly as the Royals aim to rebound from their recent losses while the Pirates look to exploit their home field advantage. As the season draws closer to its conclusion, every game counts, making this series especially significant for both teams.
BetMGM Sportsbook thinks the Pirates are the slight favorites to win this first game because they’ve been playing well lately.
