Ryan Vogelsong (2-2, 3.20 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (62-58) go up against Jose Urena (1-4, 6.80 ERA) and the Miami Marlins (64-59) in the last of a three-game series at PNC Park. The Marlins won the last game 3-1, and Miami leads the series 2-0. The game starts at 1:35 p.m. ET on Sunday, Aug. 21 and will air on FSFL and RTPT.
In his last start, Vogelsong pitched 5.2 innings, allowing four runs, striking out one and walking three in an 8-5 victory over the Giants. The Marlins were unsuccessful against the Reds 6-3 the last time Urena pitched. He went 6.0 innings, giving up five runs, striking out five and walking three. Giancarlo Stanton (.244, 52 Rs, 25 HRs, 70 RBIs) has been doing well offensively for the Marlins, going 3 for 5 yesterday with one run, one home run, and three RBIs.
Pittsburgh, a -136 favorite, will look to capitalize at home against Miami. The Over/Under (O/U) for the matchup is eight runs. When playing as the favorite, the Pirates have a 33-31 record and overall money line at +236.
On the other side, the Marlins have a record of 33-30 when they are the underdog and are +84 overall with the money line. The top hitting team in the NL are the Marlins, who average 9.4 hits per game. Opposing pitchers have routinely struggled to strike out the Miami batters, who rank fourth in the NL with 7.6 strikeouts per game. Switching gears to Miami’s pitching staff, they have some of the most overpowering arms in the NL with an average of 8.6 strikeouts per game.
The Marlins had the upper hand against the Pirates in their previous six games this season, earning a 5-1 record. This game will feature Urena (RHP) on the mound against the Pirates, who have a 44-49 record when they take on a right-handed starter. Taking the hill against the Marlins will be the right-hander Vogelsong. They sport a 42-51 record against righties.
Predictions: SU Winner – PIT, O/U – Over
Notes
Having scored one run in their last game, the Pirates are going to have to step it up if they want to win this matchup. The Marlins have a 22-1 record in games where opponents scored one run or less.
It looks like the Marlins have a slight leg up on the Pirates, as the Marlins have won their last two games while the Pirates have lost their last two.
When they outhit their opponents, the Marlins are 53-14. The Pirates have a 39-9 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 21st in runs, Miami has earned 525 this season. Pittsburgh ranks 18th with 547 runs.
Ranking 22nd, Miami is near the bottom of the league in walks, notching 350 this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the top 10 with 396.
When the Pirates hit at least one home run, they are 44-26, well-matched with the Marlins who are 46-30 when hitting one or more homers.
