MLB Spread Handicapping: Arizona Diamondbacks vs Pittsburgh Pirates 8/2
- Wolfeofbetting
- Aug 1, 2024, 6:39:06 PM
MLB Spread Handicapping: Arizona Diamondbacks vs Pittsburgh Pirates 8/2
Photo Credit: nan
Game Summary
The Arizona Diamondbacks will face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates on August 2 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This matchup features two teams with contrasting performances this season. The Diamondbacks currently hold a record of 55-53, with a balanced approach in both home and away games (26-26 at home and 29-27 on the road). On the other hand, the Pirates are slightly ahead with a record of 58-51, showcasing stronger home performance (31-25) compared to their away record (27-26).
Arizona has struggled offensively, ranking 24th in the league with 451 runs scored and 25th with a .232 batting average. Their pitching has been more reliable, ranking 7th with a 3.77 ERA. In contrast, Pittsburgh boasts one of the best offenses in the league, ranking 2nd with 558 runs scored and 4th with a .258 batting average. However, their pitching staff has been more vulnerable, coming in at 25th with a 4.48 ERA. With both teams vying for playoff positioning, this game is crucial for both squads.
Odds and Betting Lines
| Bet Type | Odds |
|---|---|
| Over/Under | 8.5 |
| Spread (Arizona Diamondbacks) | -1.5 |
| Spread (Pittsburgh Pirates) | 1.5 |
| Moneyline (Arizona Diamondbacks) | -126 |
| Moneyline (Pittsburgh Pirates) | +102 |
Pitching Probables
| Pitcher | W-L | ERA | WHIP | IP | H | K | BB | HR |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Pfaadt (PIT) | 5-6 | 3.92 | 1.11 | 126.1 | 113 | 115 | 27 | 15 |
| Luis Ortiz (ARI) | 5-2 | 2.75 | 1.14 | 78.2 | 66 | 63 | 24 | 4 |
Team Previews
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks are currently ranked 24th in runs scored with 451 and have a team batting average of .232, which ranks 25th in the league. They have a total of 848 hits which is ranked 23rd. Their pitching staff has been a strength, with a 3.77 ERA, placing them 7th overall. Luis Ortiz has been a standout performer with a solid 2.75 ERA. However, their offense needs to improve to compete effectively in the coming matches.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Pittsburgh has one of the most potent offenses in the league, ranking 2nd with 558 runs scored and 4th in batting average at .258. They have accumulated 954 hits, ranking them 5th. Despite their offensive prowess, their pitching has struggled with a 4.48 ERA, ranking 25th. Brandon Pfaadt, while having a respectable ERA of 3.92, has had some inconsistencies that the Diamondbacks could exploit. The Pirates must leverage their hitting to overcome their pitching woes.
Team Injuries
Arizona Diamondbacks
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| G. Moreno | C | Wrist | Expected to be out until at least Aug 2 |
Pittsburgh Pirates
| Player Name | Position | Injury | Injury Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| D. Jefferies | RP | Elbow | Expected to be out until at least Sep 4 |
Betting Trends
- The Diamondbacks are 5-2 in their last 7 games against the Pirates.
- Pittsburgh is 4-1 in their last 5 games at home.
- Arizona has gone Under in 4 of their last 5 games when playing on the road.
- The Pirates are 8-3 in their last 11 games overall.
Recent Games
Arizona Diamondbacks
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| @ Chicago | W5-2 | W |
| @ Chicago | W3-0 | W |
| @ Chicago | L2-1 F/10 | L |
| @ Kansas City | L10-4 | L |
| @ Kansas City | W6-2 | W |
Pittsburgh Pirates
| Opponent | Score | W/L |
|---|---|---|
| vs Philadelphia | W8-7 | W |
| vs Philadelphia | W4-1 | W |
| vs Philadelphia | L6-0 | L |
| vs St. Louis | W2-1 | W |
| vs St. Louis | L2-1 | L |
Team Rankings
| Team | Hitting | Starting Pitching | Relief Pitching | Fielding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Diamondbacks | 25th | 7th | Tied-13th | Tied-13th |
| Pittsburgh Pirates | 2nd | 25th | Tied-19th | 30th |
Significant Betting Stats
- The Pirates are 60-47 against the spread this season.
- Diamondbacks have a 55-54 spread record this season.
- Pittsburgh has won 8 of their last 11 games.
- Arizona is 5-2 in their last 7 games against Pittsburgh.
- The Under is 4-1 for Arizona's last 5 road games.
- Pittsburgh has gone Over in 4 of their last 5 games overall.
- Diamondbacks are 1-5 in their last 6 games against teams with a winning record.
- Pirates are 4-1 in their last 5 games against teams with a losing record.
- Arizona is averaging 4.5 runs per game in their last 5 outings.
- Pittsburgh's offense is averaging 5.8 runs per game in their last 5 games.
Weather
Intermittent clouds with a temperature of 86°F expected during the game.
Prediction
The Diamondbacks have shown strength in their pitching, especially with Luis Ortiz on the mound who has a solid 2.75 ERA. However, the Pirates boast a formidable offense that can exploit any pitching mistakes. Given the trends and recent performances, this matchup is expected to be closely contested. The combination of Ortiz's solid pitching and Arizona's recent track record against Pittsburgh leads to a recommendation for the Diamondbacks to cover the spread.
Pick: Arizona Diamondbacks -1.5
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