Homer-happy Pirates look to flex muscles vs. Brewers
The Milwaukee Brewers will rely on rookie right-hander Tobias Myers to keep the ball in the park when they host the power-hitting Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday night.
Pitching Matchup:
- Tobias Myers (Brewers): Myers brings a 5-3 record and a 3.52 ERA into the game. However, he has allowed 10 home runs over 64 innings this season, which could be a concern against the Pirates’ hot bats.
- Martin Perez (Pirates): Perez, holding a 1-4 record with a 4.85 ERA, has struggled this season, particularly against the Brewers. In their previous matchup on May 15, he gave up nine runs on 11 hits, including five homers, in a 10-2 loss.
Pirates’ Offensive Power:
The Pirates showcased their offensive firepower in a 12-2 victory over the Brewers in the series opener on Tuesday. Joey Bart’s grand slam was the highlight of a six-run sixth inning. Bryan Reynolds, Rowdy Tellez, Jack Suwinski, and Joshua Palacios also contributed home runs.
“We continued to have good swings and added on throughout the game”
said Pirates manager Derek Shelton. “I’m really proud of the whole group. Just really consistent at-bats.”
Pirates’ Pitching Boost:
Pittsburgh’s pitching staff received a significant boost from Quinn Priester, who was activated off the injured list earlier in the day. Priester, pitching six innings, allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits, striking out eight and walking two, earning the win.
Brewers’ Recent Struggles:
Milwaukee’s lead in the National League Central has shrunk to four games over the second-place St. Louis Cardinals, following a stretch of four losses in their last five games. Brewers manager Pat Murphy emphasized the need for the team to regain their winning form.
“We haven’t had one of those games in a while, especially at home, We’ve got to get back to how we win games.”
Murphy said.
Individual Performances:
- Tobias Myers: Myers had an excellent June, going 4-0 with a 1.44 ERA in five starts. However, he took a loss in his most recent outing, allowing four runs over six innings against the Colorado Rockies.
- Martin Perez: Perez had a strong showing in his last start, allowing just one run over 7 1/3 innings in a 3-2, 10-inning loss to St. Louis. Despite his efforts, he has lost his last four decisions, largely due to lack of run support.
- Rowdy Tellez: Tellez, a former Brewer, has been on a hot streak, batting .366 with six homers and 12 RBIs over his last 13 games. His homer on Tuesday marked the 100th of his career.
Outlook:
The Brewers face a challenging task in containing the Pirates’ surging offense, especially given Myers’ vulnerability to home runs. Conversely, the Pirates will aim to capitalize on Perez’s recent form and maintain their offensive momentum. The outcome of this game could significantly impact the Brewers’ standings as they fight to maintain their lead in the division.
Conclusion:
The Brewers need a strong performance from Myers to stifle the Pirates’ powerful lineup, while the Pirates will aim to continue their offensive success and exploit Perez’s recent good form. This game is crucial for both teams as they navigate their standings in the National League Central.
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