Pirates vs Rockies Prediction MLB Picks Today 5/9
- Lm Tipster
- May 9, 2023, 7:00:33 AM
© Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Preview
The Colorado Rockies will face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 9th, 2023, in what should be an exciting matchup between two teams with contrasting styles. The Pirates are known for their power hitting, while the Rockies rely on their pitching to get the job done. In this article, we will take a closer look at both teams, their strengths and weaknesses, and make a prediction for the game.
Pitching Analysis
The Rockies will be sending Connor Seabold to the mound for his second start of the season. Seabold has only pitched 18.2 innings this year, allowing 25 hits and four home runs. He has struck out 14 batters and walked three, posting an ERA of 5.30 and a WHIP of 1.50. Seabold has struggled to keep the ball in the park, which could be a problem against a team like the Pirates that loves to hit home runs.
The Pirates will counter with Luis Ortiz, who is making his season debut. Ortiz was acquired in a trade with the Baltimore Orioles in the offseason and is expected to be a key member of the Pirates' rotation. Ortiz has a career ERA of 6.00 in 12 innings pitched, but he has shown flashes of potential in the minor leagues. He will need to be at his best against a Rockies team that has been hitting the ball well lately.
Hitting Analysis
The Rockies have struggled to score runs this season, ranking 27th in the league in runs scored. However, they have been hitting the ball better lately, scoring 13 runs in their last two games. C.J. Cron has been the team's best hitter, batting .235 with six home runs and 16 RBIs. Elias Diaz has also been swinging a hot bat, hitting .333 with three home runs and 18 RBIs.
The Pirates, on the other hand, have been one of the best offensive teams in the league this season. They rank fourth in runs scored and second in home runs. Bryan Reynolds has been the team's best hitter, batting .298 with five home runs and 23 RBIs. Jack Suwinski has also been a pleasant surprise, hitting .239 with seven home runs and 19 RBIs.
Injury Report
The Rockies have just one player on the injured list, pitcher Dinelson Lamet, who is expected to return soon. The Pirates have two players on the injured list, pitcher Vince Velasquez and outfielder Ji Hwan Bae. Neither player is expected to return for this game.
Prediction
Both teams have struggled with their pitching this season, and the over/under for this game is set at 9 runs. Given the recent struggles of both Seabold and Ortiz, it is likely that we will see plenty of runs scored in this game. The Pirates have been one of the best offensive teams in the league this season, and they should be able to take advantage of Seabold's struggles to score some runs. The Rockies have been hitting the ball better lately and should be able to score some runs against Ortiz, who has yet to pitch in the majors this season.
Additionally, both teams have had issues with their bullpens, and we could see some runs scored late in the game as well. The Pirates have blown a few leads this season due to their bullpen struggles, and the Rockies have also had issues with their relievers. If either team takes an early lead, it is likely that the other team will try to come back late in the game, which could lead to some high-scoring innings.
Pick: Over 9 runs
