The Arizona Diamondbacks will continue their three-game series with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday at PNC Park. We're in one of the most beautiful ballparks in baseball, sharing our MLB odds series and making a Diamondbacks-Pirates prediction and pick.
Diamondbacks-Pirates Projected Starters
Jordan Montgomery vs. Marco Gonzales
Jordan Montgomery (7-5) with a 6.51 ERA
Last Start: Montgomery struggled mightily in his last outing, going just four innings, allowing six earned runs, nine hits, striking out one, and walking three in a no-decision against the Washington Nationals.
2024 Road Splits: Montgomery has been slightly better on the road, going 4-2 with a 4.37 ERA over six starts away from Chase Field.
Mitch Keller (110-5) with a 3.30 ERA
Last Start: Keller was strong in his last start, going seven innings, allowing two earned runs and two hits, striking out six, and walking two in a decision against the Diamondbacks.
2024 Home Splits: Keller has been amazing at home, going 2-1 with a 2.74 ERA over five starts at home.
Here are the MLB Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
MLB Odds: Diamondbacks-Pirates Odds
Arizona Diamondbacks: -1.5 (+168)
Moneyline: +102
Pittsburgh Pirates: +1.5 (-205)
Moneyline: -120
Over: 8.5 (-110)
Under: 8.5 (-110)
How to Watch Diamondbacks vs. Pirates
Time: 6:40 PM ET/3:40 PM PT
TV: Sportsnet Pittsburgh
Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)
Why The Diamondbacks Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Diamondbacks are clinging to the last spot in the National League Wildcard race. Somehow, they are surviving despite massive inconsistent pitching and numerous injuries. They just endured another massive injury.
Christian Walker is out indefinitely and there is timeline for his return as of this moment. Therefore, the Diamondbacks must persevere without him, and they made a trade to offset his injury. The D-Backs traded for Josh Bell after the injury and will now rely on him to supply some power. Now, he will attempt to clobber the baseball and give Arizona a boost. Lourdes Gurriel is also a solid hitter. Yet, he is also inconsistent.
Ketel Marte came into the weekend as one of the best hitters on the team. Furthermore, he leads the Diamondbacks in hits and home runs. But Corbin Carroll continues to struggle. Unfortunately, he has been in a sophomore slump after being exceptional as a rookie.
Montgomery has been one of the most inconsistent pitchers in the game. Unfortunately, he looks nothing like the innings eater he usually has been throughout his career. When Montgomery finishes, he will turn it over to a bullpen that is only 21st in baseball in team ERA. Paul Sewald has not been an efficient closer, going 0-2 with a 4.39 ERA with 16 saves in 20 chances.
The Diamondbacks will cover the spread if their patched-up lineup can batter the baseball and score some runs early. Then, they need Montgomery to avoid making critical mistakes.
Why The Pirates Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Pirates came into the weekend trailing the Diamondbacks by 2 1/2 games for the final spot in the NL Wildcard. Ultimately, they remain alive in the race. But they need their offense to do more to give themselves a chance.
Bryan Reynolds is their best hitter, and he leads the Pirates in hits and home runs. Now, he hopes to continue clobbering the baseball. But the Pirates also traded for Bryan de La Cruz to give their lineup a massive boost. Thus, look for him to make an impact right away. Oneil Cruz remains a regular in the lineup with the ability to place to baseball. Likewise, Andrew McCutchen is ageless at the top of the lineup.
Keller has been really efficient lately, notching a quality start in three of his past four outings. Significantly, he has been one of the most reliable arms in the rotation. When Keller is done, he will turn it over to a bullpen that is only 23rd in baseball in team ERA. David Bednar has been shaky as the closer, coming into the weekend with a record of 3-3 with a 4.95 ERA and 19 saves in 22 chances.
The Pirates will cover the spread if they can drive in some runs to give Keller a chance. Then, Keller needs to continue pitching to his strengths and overcome a tough lineup.
Final Diamondbacks-Pirates Prediction & Pick
The Diamondbacks took two of three to the Pirates at home last weekend. Now, they must put their worst pitcher on the mound while also facing an extremely tough pitcher. It does not help that the Pirates are the best team in baseball at covering the run line record, while the Diamondbacks are average at best. Despite being bad for the majority of the season, Montgomery has actually fared well in his career against the Pirates, going 1-3 with a 2.63 ERA in eight games. Expect him to bounce back, but the Pirates will have enough to cover the spread.
Click here for more betting news and predictions
Final Diamondbacks-Pirates Prediction & Pick: Pittsburgh Pirates: +1.5 (-205)
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