Game Summary

The Pittsburgh Pirates (52-50), third in the NL Central, are set to face off against the Arizona Diamondbacks (53-50), who are currently third in the NL West. This exciting matchup will take place at Chase Field in Phoenix on Friday, July 26, 2024, at 9:40 p.m. EDT.

Both teams come into this game with a lot to prove. The Diamondbacks have been impressive at home with a 26-24 record and possess the ninth-best team slugging percentage in MLB at .410. On the other hand, the Pirates have been equally competitive on the road with a matching 26-24 record. Pittsburgh has shown resilience by winning 38 out of 42 games where they've out-hit their opponents.

In terms of recent form, the Diamondbacks are riding a 7-3 streak in their last 10 games with a .246 batting average and a solid 3.33 ERA. Meanwhile, the Pirates have been even more formidable, going 8-2 in their last 10 games, boasting a .256 batting average and an impressive 2.10 ERA.

This game marks the first time these two teams will meet this season, setting the stage for an intriguing series. Key players to watch include Christian Walker and Ketel Marte for the Diamondbacks. Walker leads the team with 43 extra-base hits, including 23 home runs, while Marte has been on a tear, going 15-for-36 with four home runs and 12 RBIs in his last 10 games. For the Pirates, Connor Joe and Oneil Cruz will be crucial. Joe has accumulated 18 doubles, a triple, seven home runs, and 30 RBIs, while Cruz has been hot recently, hitting 12-for-39 with five doubles and two home runs.

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Player Prop Odds

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Here are the prop odds for Joey Bart:

• Batter Hits (0.5): Over (-135)
• Batter RBIs (0.5): Over (+240)
• Batter Runs Scored (0.5): Over (+160)
• Batter Singles (0.5): Over (+125)
• Batter Total Bases (1.5): Over (+210)

Player Analysis

Joey Bart has been a key contributor for the Pirates this season. He's demonstrated a strong ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities. Bart's current batting average is .250, and he's been particularly effective in clutch situations, which is reflected in his impressive RBI count.

Bart's ability to hit singles has been a standout feature of his game. With a +125 odds for hitting over 0.5 singles, this appears to be a strong bet considering his current form and consistency at the plate.

Opposing Analysis

Facing Bart will be Zac Gallen of the Diamondbacks. Gallen has been solid but not spectacular this season, posting a 7-5 record with a 3.64 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. While these numbers are respectable, Gallen has shown vulnerability, especially against hitters who can consistently make contact and get on base.

The Pirates' lineup, which includes Bart, has been effective in exploiting such vulnerabilities. Given Gallen's performance, Bart has a favorable matchup to not only get on base but also potentially drive in runs.

Pitching Probables

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Team Previews

Pittsburgh Pirates

Hitting: The Pirates rank 8th in hits (879) and 3rd in runs (509) with a .252 team batting average. They have a balanced lineup that can produce runs in various ways, making them a tough opponent for any pitcher.

Relief Pitching: The bullpen has been a bit shaky, with a 4.50 ERA, ranking 26th in the league. However, their ability to close out games has been decent with 23 saves, tied for 21st.

Fielding: Defensively, the Pirates have struggled, committing 42 errors, which ranks them 30th in MLB. This could be a liability if the game is tight and defensive plays become crucial.

Starting Pitchers: Luis Ortiz has been a standout with a 2.57 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP. His ability to keep runners off base and limit scoring has been a key factor in the Pirates' success.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Hitting: The Diamondbacks are 25th in hits (800) and 23rd in runs (422) with a .232 team batting average. Despite these numbers, their slugging percentage of .410 indicates they can hit for power when needed.

Relief Pitching: The bullpen has been more reliable, posting a 3.77 ERA, which ranks 11th in the league. Their 26 saves are tied for 13th, showing they can close out games effectively.

Fielding: Defensively, the Diamondbacks have committed 50 errors, ranking them tied for 20th. While not the best, it's an area they need to be cautious about.

Starting Pitchers: Zac Gallen leads the rotation with a 3.64 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. His performance will be crucial against the Pirates' potent lineup.

Team Injuries

Recent Games

Pittsburgh Pirates

Arizona Diamondbacks

Prediction

Pick: Joey Bart Over 0.5 Singles (+125)

Bart's consistency in getting on base and Gallen's vulnerability against contact hitters make this a strong pick. Bart has been reliable in clutch situations, and his odds of +125 for hitting over 0.5 singles present a great value bet.

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