After taking two of three from the Marlins in Miami, the Pittsburgh Pirates search for redemption in a four game series against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark.
In a three game series against the Cincinnati Reds from April 10-12, the Pittsburgh Pirates struggled in multiple aspects of the game. The Bucs, who were swept in the series at PNC Park, never scored more than two runs in any of the three games while allowing six or more runs in the trio of contests. In the series, the Pirates were outscored 22-5.
After starting the season strong, the Reds have been slumping as of late, posting a 2-8 record in their last 10 games. Like the Pirates, the Reds are 11-13 on the season and are coming off of a 5-4 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday.
The Pirates have their sights set on redemption in this series. They have played better baseball as of late and are fresh off of taking two out of three from the Miami Marlins. The Bucs still remain two games under .500 and in last place in the National League Central, but they are only two games back in a division with struggling ballclubs in the early going.
The Pirates have a good opportunity to gain some ground in this four game set to start the week. A series between Pittsburgh and Cincinnati is always exciting to watch, so let’s get to our three matchups to watch:
3.) Gerrit Cole vs. Billy Hamilton
Billy Hamilton has historically been very good against the Pirates throughout his career. In 47 career games against the Bucs, the Reds outfielder is hitting .320 in 181 at-bats and has compiled 12 RBIs and 40 stolen bases.
In the three game series against the Pirates earlier in the year, Hamilton went 5-for-15 along with a pair of RBIs, proving once again to be a thorn in Pittsburgh’s side.
It’s very possible that Hamilton could do it once again in this week’s series against the Pirates especially with Gerrit Cole pitching tonight, a guy who Hamilton has had success against in the past.
In 14 career at-bats against the Pirates right hander, Hamilton is hitting .357 with a pair of doubles, four runs scored and three walks. Hamilton has also stolen 10 bases with Cole on the mound.
Cole has been stellar in his last few starts and has improved every step of the way. In five starts this season, he is 1-3 with a 3.60 ERA. That being said, this matchup could go either way. However, it will be one that will be interesting to watch given Hamilton’s past success against the hurler.
2.) Pirates offense vs. Scott Feldman
In game two of this series, Scott Feldman will take the mound for the Cincinnati Reds. Feldman has been stellar for the Reds in the early going of the season as he is 1-2 with a 3.25 ERA and 24 strikeouts in 27.2 innings.
Feldman is coming off of a rough start against the Milwaukee Brewers in which he allowed four runs on five hits in five innings. He struck out five and walked five.
The 34-year old veteran has made two career appearances against the Pirates and is sporting an ERA over seven against them.
Despite the lack of experience against the Bucs, the matchup between Feldman and the Pirates offense is an intriguing one. Feldman has had his ups and downs throughout his career, but coming off of his second loss of the year, the Pirates might be facing him at the right time. The Bucs offense was able to come alive in the Miami series – aside from Sunday – and it was a nice sight to see heading in to another road series.
Expect guys like Josh Harrison, Gregory Polanco, Jose Osuna and Josh Bell – all who have been red hot as of late – to lead the offensive attack against the sometimes inconsistent Feldman.
1.) Andrew McCutchen vs. Rookie Davis
Rookie Davis has had a rough start to his major league career. In three starts this season, Davis is 0-1 with an 11.17 ERA and a 2.59 WHIP in only 9.2 innings. Davis has allowed 13 runs (12 earned) in that span.
Davis has pitched against the Bucs this season, his best and longest outing out of the three. Davis went four innings on April 11, allowing one earned run on two hits while walking four and striking out three. The short outing for the 24-year old was spurred by his high pitch count as he threw 88 pitches and only 50 for strikes.
Another guy who has struggled as of late is Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen. Cutch is hitting just .167 in his last six games with three RBIs and four walks.
McCutchen went 1 for 2 with a strikeout against Davis on April 11, but this matchup could be in number 22’s favor. With the struggles of Davis, it provides a perfect opportunity for the former NL MVP to get out of his slump and contribute to the Pirates success, something he hasn’t be able to do in the last few games.
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