MLB Playoffs: A low scoring game is expected on Wednesday in the National League Wild Card game as the San Francisco Giants visit the Pittsburgh Pirates. Madison Bumgarner will get the start for San Francisco while Pittsburgh is going with Edinson Volquez. Let’s take a look at this contest that can be seen on ESPN and MLB playoff predictions.
Odds = Pick ’em, Total of 6
Probable Pitchers – Bumgarner vs. Volquez
The Giants won the World Series in 2010 and in 2012 so they head into the postseason with a lot of confidence. They also begin with Madison Bumgarner on the mound. He has won a Division Series game in the past and he has two World Series wins. Bumgarner had 18 wins this season with a 2.98 ERA. He was outstanding on the road with 11 wins and a 2.22 ERA.
“When the guy takes the ball, there’s that feeling that we’re going to win,” Giants right-hander Ryan Vogelsong said. “As a pitcher, that’s one of the best feelings you can have. I’ve had it here in the past where you can tell when you walk in the room that the guys are excited that you’re on the mound that day. For me, the thing that stands out the most is the energy the team has when he takes the mound.” Bumgarner is 1-3 in his career against the Pirates with a 3.24 ERA.
The Pirates will be going with Volquez for this game. “We’ve been second-guessed the whole season on how we do things, so you do what you believe in.” manager Clint Hurdle said, “Then Edinson Volquez can have the Wild Card Game; we like our chances with him pitching.” Volquez has a 1.78 ERA in his last 12 starts. Volquez is 2-2 in his career against the Giants with a 5.72 ERA.
Game Notes
The number four is the magic number for the Giants as they are 38-3 in their last 41 games in which they have scored at least four runs. The Pirates went 51-30 at home this season, tied for the best mark in the National League. The Pirates have won six of the last ten against the Giants.
MLB Playoff Predictions
We’ll look for this game on Wednesday to go under the total of six.
