Pirates Head West to Face Giants: Preview and Prediction
The Pittsburgh Pirates, fresh off a series win against the Arizona Diamondbacks, travel to Oracle Park in San Francisco to begin a three-game series against the Giants tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 9:45 p.m. ET.
Pittsburgh enters the contest with a 44-62 record, having won five of their last six games. Their recent victory over Arizona showcased strong pitching and timely hitting, a formula they'll need to replicate against the Giants.
Pitching Matchup: Keller vs. Whisenhunt
Right-hander Mitch Keller (4-10, 3.53 ERA) will take the mound for the Pirates. Keller is coming off a win against the Detroit Tigers, where he allowed three runs in six innings. He's been a consistent presence in the Pirates' rotation, logging significant innings and maintaining a solid ERA in July.
The San Francisco Giants will counter with left-hander Carson Whisenhunt, who will be making his MLB debut. Whisenhunt, a highly-regarded prospect, has pitched well in Triple-A Sacramento this season, posting an 8-5 record with a 4.42 ERA. His repertoire includes a fastball, slider, curveball, and changeup. This is a big moment for the young pitcher and a challenge for the Pirates' offense.
Key Players to Watch
For the Pirates, Oneil Cruz remains a crucial offensive catalyst. His power and ability to get on base are vital for generating runs. The Giants will need to contain Cruz to limit Pittsburgh's scoring opportunities.
On the Giants' side, Willy Adames has had success against Keller in the past, making him a key player to watch. His ability to drive in runs could be a significant factor in the game's outcome.
Prediction
With Whisenhunt making his debut and Keller's history against the Giants, this game has the potential to be a close contest. While the Pirates are coming off a series win, facing a new pitcher on the road presents a challenge. The Giants, playing at home, have a slight advantage. Expect a tight, low-scoring game. Giants win by a small margin.