Pirates vs Guardians Prediction MLB Picks Today 7/18
- Mr Wager
- Jul 18, 2023, 12:46:42 AM
© Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
MLB Predictions: Cleveland Guardians vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
Introduction
The upcoming game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Pittsburgh Pirates is set to take place on July 18, 2023. In this article, we will provide expert analysis and predictions for this matchup, focusing on the pitching performances, hitting capabilities, and injury updates for both teams.
Pitching Analysis
Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians will send Logan Allen to the mound. Allen has displayed decent form with a 3-2 record and a 3.47 ERA. While he has shown flashes of effectiveness, his overall performance suggests a moderate level of success. Against a struggling Pittsburgh Pirates offense, Allen has the potential to limit scoring opportunities and contribute to a low-scoring game.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates will rely on Mitch Keller as their starting pitcher. Keller has been a standout performer with a 9-4 record and a 3.31 ERA. He has demonstrated the ability to keep opposing hitters at bay and generate strikeouts. Facing the Guardians' lineup, Keller has the potential to stifle their offense and contribute to a low-scoring affair.
Hitting Analysis
Cleveland Guardians
Offensively, the Cleveland Guardians have been led by Jose Ramirez, who has contributed 14 home runs and 53 RBIs. While Ramirez has been a consistent run producer, the overall offensive production of the Guardians has been relatively modest. This aligns with the expectation of a low-scoring game against the Pirates' pitching staff.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates' offense has struggled this season, with Jack Suwinski leading the team with 19 home runs and 48 RBIs. The Pirates have found it challenging to generate consistent offense, which contributes to the likelihood of a low-scoring game against the Guardians' pitching staff.
Injury Updates
Cleveland Guardians
The Cleveland Guardians have two notable absences in Peyton Battenfield and Shane Bieber due to injuries. While these absences impact the team's pitching depth, they are not expected to significantly affect the outcome of the game in terms of scoring.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates have Termarr Johnson listed as day-to-day with an injury. Although Johnson's potential absence may slightly impact the team's offensive capabilities, it is not expected to drastically alter the overall scoring dynamics of the game.
Prediction
Considering the pitching matchups, the offensive struggles of both teams, and the potential impact of injuries, we predict that the total runs scored in this game will be under 9. Both Logan Allen and Mitch Keller have demonstrated the ability to keep opposing hitters in check, and their performances are expected to contribute to a low-scoring affair.
Furthermore, the offensive output of the Cleveland Guardians and the Pittsburgh Pirates has been relatively modest this season, with neither team consistently producing runs. The combination of solid pitching and struggling offenses makes it likely that the total runs scored will fall below 9.
In conclusion, for those looking to place a bet on this game, the under of 9 runs offers the best value. The pitching matchups, offensive struggles, and injury situations all point towards a low-scoring game. Remember to consider this analysis as you make your wagers, but always gamble responsibly.
Pick: Under 9 runs
