Atlanta Braves vs Pittsburgh Pirates Picks and Predictions June 29th 2024

Powerful Braves to Face Pirates’ Flamethrower Paul Skenes

Since the Atlanta Braves began playing at Truist Park in 2017, they’ve consistently defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates in every series, achieving a remarkable 18- 5 record against them at that location. After a satisfying 6- 1 palm in the initial match on Friday night, the Braves can clinch the weekend’s three- game series by winning on Saturday afternoon, despite facing difficulties.

The competition between two adversaries.

This is because of the appearance of Pirates’ new player, Paul Skenes( 4- 0,2.14 ERA), a 6- foot- 6 pitcher who regularly throws at speeds of 100- 102 mph, getting ready for his first game against Atlanta. Skenes, named as the top pick in the 2023 Major League Draft from LSU, is currently a must- see on television.

During his first eight starts, Skenes tallied 61 strikeouts in46.1 innings. Sarah Langs, a researcher and reporter forMLB.com, mentioned that only six other pitchers have had more strikeouts in their first eight games since at least 1901 Herb Score( 77), Jose DeLeon( 73), Kerry Wood( 72), Stephen Strasburg( 68), Masahiro Tanaka( 66), and Nolan Ryan( 64).

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Kevin Cash, the manager of Tampa Bay, characterized Skenes as very authentic following the shafts’ scoring of just one run from six hits in seven innings and striking out eight times in a 3- 1 victory on Sunday.

Braves’ Perspective

Skenes will be opposed by left-hander Max Fried (7-3, 3.00 ERA) in what has the makings of a classic pitchers’ duel. Fried is 3-1 with a 4.76 ERA in six career starts against Pittsburgh.

“It’s going to be a really good matchup,” Skenes said. “They’ve got a really good lineup. Obviously, (Fried) is a really good, accomplished pitcher, so it’s going to be fun.”

Although the Braves are without reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. (ACL), who hit 41 home runs last season, they still feature one of baseball’s deepest power-hitting lineups. First baseman Matt Olson (54), DH Marcell Ozuna (40), third baseman Austin Riley (37), and second baseman Ozzie Albies (33) all topped the 30-homer mark last season.

“Just got to go out and execute,” Skenes said. “I’ve been here long enough. It’s just another lineup. They obviously have tools, they have power, thump throughout the lineup. Just got to go out and execute.”

Previous Performance

Both Skenes and Fried will have to be on their game to match the performance of Atlanta’s 40-year-old right-hander Charlie Morton on Friday. Morton didn’t allow a hit over the first 4 1/3 innings and tossed 6 1/3 shutout innings in the 6-1 win. He allowed three hits and walked a batter while striking out seven.
Morton, who played for Pittsburgh for seven years at the beginning of his career, achieved his first victory against the Pirates and joined the exclusive group of pitchers who have defeated all 30 teams in the major leagues.

“I find his actions to be incredible,” commented Atlanta manager Brian Snitker. “Glad that he has defeated all the teams now. A pretty awesome thing.

Key Players

Atlanta Braves

• Charlie Morton’s impressive display on Friday established a lofty benchmark for the pitching staff of the Braves.
• The abilities of Skenes will be put to the test by this lineup of power hitters: Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies.

The Pittsburgh Pirates

• Paul Skenes: The new outstanding player hopes to maintain his fantastic season against one of the most powerful offenses in MLB.
• Bryan Reynolds: Last Friday, Reynolds was a standout for Pittsburgh, achieving a 24-game hitting streak, the longest in the majors this season and the longest for a Pirates player since Kenny Lofton’s 26-game streak in 2003.

In summary

With the Braves aiming to maintain their winning streak against the Pirates at Truist Park, the focus will be on rookie standout Paul Skenes. The anticipated showdown between him and Max Fried is set to be an exciting battle of pitchers. Atlanta’s strong lineup supporting Fried and Pittsburgh depending on their young ace means this game is becoming a must-see event.