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Cleveland Guardians vs. Pittsburgh Pirates MLB Prediction: 

In an exciting MLB matchup, the Cleveland Guardians will take on the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on July 19, 2023. This article provides an extensive review of both teams, including pitching analysis, hitting analysis, and injury updates. 

Team Review: Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians enter the game with a record of 47-48. While their overall performance has been average, they have showcased their strength on the road with a 23-26 record away from home. Their pitching staff has been solid, led by Aaron Civale, who boasts a 3-2 record with a remarkable 2.65 ERA and 1.08 WHIP. Civale's ability to keep opposing hitters in check has been instrumental in the Guardians' success.

Offensively, the Guardians have been impressive, with Josh Naylor leading the team in home runs (15) and RBIs (75). Naylor's consistent hitting, along with a batting average of .311, has been crucial to the team's run production. The Guardians have been resilient despite injuries to key players like Shane Bieber, who is on the 15-day IL. However, they will be missing the services of Peyton Battenfield, who is on the 60-day IL, and George Valera due to suspension.

Team Review: Pittsburgh Pirates

The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled this season, holding a record of 41-54. Their performance at home has been lackluster, with a 22-26 record at PNC Park. Rich Hill, the Pirates' starting pitcher, has endured a challenging season with a 7-9 record, a 4.76 ERA, and a 1.44 WHIP. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, inconsistency has plagued his outings.

Offensively, the Pirates have relied on Jack Suwinski for power hitting, as he leads the team with 19 home runs and 48 RBIs. However, Suwinski's low batting average of .224 has been a concern. Andrew McCutchen has been a consistent performer, boasting a .266 batting average and a .377 OBP. The Pirates' lineup has struggled to produce runs consistently, leading to their subpar record.

Injuries have also affected the Pirates, with Termarr Johnson listed as day-to-day. However, their overall performance has been hindered by a lack of consistency in both pitching and hitting.

Prediction

Considering the teams' current form, the Cleveland Guardians are in a favorable position to secure a victory over the struggling Pittsburgh Pirates. The Guardians have been playing solid baseball, especially on the road, and their pitching staff led by Aaron Civale has been impressive. Additionally, their offensive firepower, highlighted by Josh Naylor's outstanding performance, provides an advantage over the Pirates.

On the other hand, the Pirates have been dealing with inconsistency in their pitching rotation, and their hitting lineup has struggled to produce runs. With a five-game losing streak leading up to this matchup, the Pirates are playing their worst baseball right now.

Given the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, the Cleveland Guardians are expected to dominate the Pirates in this game. Their superior pitching, combined with a potent offense, should allow them to control the game and secure a victory.

In conclusion, the Cleveland Guardians are poised for success in their matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. With their strong pitching and consistent hitting, they are likely to outperform the struggling Pirates. .

Pick: Guardians ML -135