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Surging Pirates Aim to Complete Sweep vs. Tumbling Twins
The Pittsburgh Pirates are on fire, eyeing a three-game sweep against the struggling Minnesota Twins. With standout plays from stars like Rowdy Tellez and Jared Jones, the Pirates have all the momentum. Meanwhile, the Twins are in a rut and desperately need to turn things around. Let’s break down the key points of this crucial game.
Pirates’ Momentum and Rowdy Tellez’s Revival
Tellez’s Impact
First baseman Rowdy Tellez has been crucial for the Pirates, bouncing back from a season-long slump with a big performance in Saturday’s game. His solo home run in the seventh inning, his first since March 31, and driving in three runs were key to the 4-0 victory. Fans, who had been critical of Tellez, showed their support by chanting his name after the home run. Pirates manager Derek Shelton praised both Tellez’s efforts and the fans’ support.
Pirates’ Recent Performance
The Pirates have won five of their last seven games, dominating with back-to-back shutouts against the Twins. Their solid pitching and timely hitting have created a wave of momentum they hope to ride into the series finale.
Twins’ Offensive Struggles
Scoreless Streak
The Twins are in a major slump, not scoring in 22 consecutive innings. In Saturday’s loss, they managed only six singles. Manager Rocco Baldelli has emphasized the need for adjustments, acknowledging the lineup’s underperformance. Despite having capable hitters, the Twins have struggled to find their groove.
Jose Miranda’s Bright Spot
One of the few positives for the Twins has been infielder Jose Miranda. Over his past 36 games, Miranda has hit .294 with five home runs and 17 RBIs. His consistent hitting has been a rare highlight for Minnesota, providing some hope in their lineup.
Pitching Matchup: Jared Jones vs. Bailey Ober
Jared Jones’ Consistency
Rookie right-hander Jared Jones will start for Pittsburgh, bringing a 4-5 record and a 3.25 ERA. Jones has been reliable on the mound, allowing three earned runs or fewer in 11 of his 12 starts. His recent outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers was particularly impressive, striking out six over six shutout innings. This will be Jones’ first career start against the Twins.
Bailey Ober’s Recent Struggles
The Twins will counter with right-hander Bailey Ober, who has a 5-4 record and a 4.94 ERA. Ober has struggled recently, losing three of his last four starts and allowing 16 runs in 19 innings during that span. His last start saw him give up three runs and a career-high four walks over five innings against the New York Yankees. This game will be Ober’s first career appearance against Pittsburgh.
Head-to-Head and Player Matchups
Previous Encounters
While Ober has no prior starts against Pittsburgh, four current Pirates hitters have faced him before, combining for a 5-for-24 record with seven strikeouts. This limited familiarity could influence the game’s outcome.
Key Performers
- Rowdy Tellez: Following his recent home run, Tellez’s performance will be crucial for the Pirates.
- Jose Miranda: Miranda’s consistent hitting provides a rare bright spot for the struggling Twins.
Key Takeaways:
- Rowdy Tellez’s resurgence has been a game-changer for the Pirates.
- The Twins’ offensive struggles need to be addressed to break their scoreless streak.
- Jared Jones’ and Bailey Ober’s performances on the mound will be crucial.
Conclusion
The series finale between the Pirates and Twins is set to be a pivotal game. The Pirates, buoyed by Rowdy Tellez’s revival and Jared Jones’ consistent pitching, have the momentum. In contrast, the Twins need a breakthrough to end their offensive slump and avoid a sweep. The pitching duel between Jones and Ober will be a key factor in determining the outcome.
