Arizona Diamondbacks vs Pittsburgh Pirates Picks and Predictions July 28th 2024

Diamondbacks Seek Fifth Straight Win in Series Finale Against Pirates

The Arizona Diamondbacks have found their stride, standing five games above .500 as they look to secure their fifth straight victory and 11th win in the past 14 games. The Diamondbacks are set to conclude their three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday afternoon in Phoenix.

Diamondbacks’ Recent Surge

The Diamondbacks have been on a remarkable run, winning four consecutive series and boasting a 7-0-1 record over their last eight series. This resurgence has seen them rebound from being four games below .500 at the end of June to their current strong position, reminiscent of last season’s playoff push.

Jake McCarthy: McCarthy delivered a standout performance in the recent 9-5 victory, recording a career-high five hits—all singles. His ability to deliver in crucial moments has been a key factor in the Diamondbacks’ recent success.

A.J. Puk: Acquired from the Miami Marlins to strengthen the bullpen, Puk made a strong debut, pitching a scoreless eighth inning. His addition provides a much-needed boost to Arizona’s relief corps, as the team looks to maintain its momentum.

Pirates’ Challenges and Key Players

The Pirates entered this series on a high note, having won 10 of their last 13 games. However, they have struggled against the Diamondbacks, dropping the first two games of the series.

Oneil Cruz: Cruz shined in Saturday’s game with a towering 472-foot home run and a triple. His performance underscores the potential within the Pirates’ lineup, even amid recent challenges.

Injuries and Lineup Adjustments: The Pirates are coping with injuries to key players, including Nick Gonzales (groin) and Rowdy Tellez (back spasms). Additionally, All-Star Bryan Reynolds has missed the last three games due to a back issue and bereavement leave, affecting the team’s offensive depth.

Pitching Matchup: Keller vs. Diaz

Mitch Keller (10-5, 3.34 ERA): Keller will start for the Pirates, aiming to quiet the Diamondbacks’ bats. He has a solid track record against Arizona, with a 2.45 ERA in three career starts. Keller’s ability to go deep into games has been crucial, as evidenced by his seven-inning performance against the St. Louis Cardinals in his last outing.

Yilber Diaz (1-1, 5.40 ERA): Diaz will take the mound for the Diamondbacks, looking to bounce back from a rough outing against the Kansas City Royals. Despite a promising start to his major league career, Diaz has experienced inconsistency, making Sunday’s game a critical opportunity for him to stabilize his performance.

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Game Implications and Outlook

As the Diamondbacks aim to sweep the series and continue their winning streak, the Pirates are focused on regrouping and overcoming their recent struggles. The outcome of this game will have implications for both teams as they navigate the middle of the MLB season