Cards’ Miles Mikolas Seeks Bounce-Back Effort vs. Pirates

St. Louis Cardinals right-hander Miles Mikolas is determined to bounce back from his worst outing of the season. Facing the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday evening, Mikolas aims to prove that his previous performance was just an anomaly. As the Cardinals and Pirates clash in the second game of a three-game series, both teams have crucial elements to focus on for their respective pitchers and hitters.

Miles Mikolas’ Recent Performance

A Tough Outing

Miles Mikolas (6-7, 5.32 ERA) is coming off a challenging game against the Cincinnati Reds, where he allowed 10 runs (nine earned) and 12 hits over 4 1/3 innings, resulting in an 11-4 defeat. This game was a significant setback considering Mikolas’ prior form.

Previous Success

Before the tough game against the Reds, Mikolas was in a good stretch, going 3-0 with a 2.48 ERA over his previous four starts. He aims to return to that form against the Pirates.

Mikolas’ Approach

Mikolas plans to work hard between starts to avoid repeating his previous performance. Reflecting on the game, he emphasized the need to discard the poor outing and continue with the strategy that had been working for him.

Manager’s Perspective

Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol attributed Mikolas’ struggles against the Reds to poor pitch location, which allowed the opposition to capitalize on his mistakes. Marmol believes that with better pitch placement, Mikolas can return to his successful form.

Historical Performance Against the Pirates

Mikolas has faced the Pirates 22 times in his career, including 19 starts, with a record of 5-6 and a 2.90 ERA. This experience gives him a significant advantage in understanding the Pirates’ lineup and tendencies.

Pirates’ Key Players Against Mikolas

Ke’Bryan Hayes

Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes has had notable success against Mikolas, going 8-for-19 (.421). His performance could be pivotal in the upcoming game.

Jared Jones’ Outlook

Jared Jones (5-6, 3.66 ERA) will pitch for the Pirates, seeking back-to-back wins for the first time in his rookie season. Jones is coming off a solid performance against the Tampa Bay Rays, where he allowed two runs and three hits over seven innings.

Team Performances and Adjustments

Pirates’ Positives

Despite losing the series opener 7-4, the Pirates had standout moments, such as Jack Suwinski’s three-run homer. Manager Derek Shelton views Suwinski’s performance as a confidence booster.

Suwinski’s Versatility

Suwinski demonstrated his ability to hit different types of pitches, collecting hits off a sweeper, a fastball, and a slider. His overall season performance, hitting .180, indicates room for improvement, but his recent game is a positive sign.

Grandal’s Struggles

Catcher Yasmani Grandal continues to face difficulties, with a recent 2-for-20 streak in his past seven games. Shelton believes that despite hitting a double-play ball at 103 mph, Grandal needs some luck for better outcomes.

Conclusion

Miles Mikolas aims to return to form and lead the Cardinals to a victory against the Pirates. Both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses in this crucial matchup. The game promises to be an exciting contest of strategy and skill as Mikolas and Jones take the mound.

Take your MLB handicapping to the next level with our expert MLB handicappers