Buckle up for another wild night in the MLB, as the Pittsburgh Pirates (76-49) and the Miami Marlins (51-76) face off once more for the conclusion of their four-game set at Marlins Park. The Pirates currently lead the series 2-1 and will be sending their ace pitcher Gerrit Cole on the mound later. The Marlins, meanwhile, counter with Justin Nicolino and will strive to even things up with a win.
Read on below for a full preview of this National League showdown. And while you’re at it, check out as well our detailed breakdown of the Mets and Phillies matchup.
[sc:MLBArticles ]Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Miami Marlins Preview
Where: Marlins Park, Miami, FL
When: Thursday, August 27, 7:10 PM ET
Line: Pittsburgh Pirates (-200) vs. Miami Marlins (+170); Total: 7.0 — View all MLB Lines
Betting on the Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates have no plans of slowing down. After losing the second meeting of their four-game set with the Miami Marlins, they immediately avenged that loss with a resounding 7-2 triumph yesterday night. The Pirates have now won seven of their previous 10 games overall and own the first wild card spot in the National League. They’ll look to strengthen further their hold with another victory over the Marlins in their series finale.
[sc:MLB240banner ]That’ll be easier said than done, but having someone like Gerrit Cole (14-7, 2.49 ERA) greatly bolsters any team’s chances of winning. Cole, who remains in search for his first win this month, is coming off a dominant performance last time out, wherein he pitched seven innings of one-run ball together with eight strikeouts to help the Pirates get the thrilling 3-2 win versus San Francisco on Saturday.
Prior to this game though, the 24-year-old righty has been terrible. Cole permitted at least three runs in each of his previous four turns. Over that stretch, he went 0-3 with the Bucs only winning once. On the road this season, Cole carries a 6-4 record and 2.22 ERA throughout 12 starts. Pittsburgh is 3-4 in Cole’s last seven turns.
Over on offense, all the attention will be on Andrew McCutchen (.300), who has been simply astounding for the Pirates this year. McCutchen has delivered four homers and 15 RBIs this month while batting .324. He’s also in the midst of a four-game hitting streak, wherein he’s gone 8-for-17 along with three doubles, two homers and seven RBIs to his name.
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Betting on the Miami Marlins
The Miami Marlins own the second-worst record in the majors, 51-76. It’s safe to say that we won’t be seeing them in the postseason for the eleventh-straight time. But nonetheless, the Marlins will be aiming to get as many wins as they can and possibly play spoilers to all other playoff-hopeful teams. They’ll attempt to do just that in the conclusion of their four-game set with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Taking the mound for Miami will be Justin Nicolino, who is 2-1 with a 3.77 ERA on the year. Nicolino notched his second-straight quality start on Saturday for the no-decision after limiting the Phillies to just two runs and five hits in over a career-best 7 2/3 frames. But the 23-year-old rookie has evidently struggled at Marlins Parks, posting a 0-1 mark, a high ERA of 5.71 and .303 opponents’ batting average through three starts thus far this season. Miami is 3-2 with him starting.
If Nicolino continues his slump at home, the Marlins ought to compensate for this on offense. Expected to lead the way at the plate is the pair of Dee Gordon and Andeiny Hechavarria, who have both been holding hot bats this month of August. Gordon is batting .344 with 13 RBIs while Hechavarria is keeping up, hitting .316 along with nine RBIs.
Also, Martin Prado could provide some timely contributions as well. Prado is currently on a five-game hitting streak, during which he is 6-for-19 (.316). He’s also 2-for-6 lifetime opposite the Bucs’ ace pitcher Gerrit Cole.
Writer’s Prediction:
Pittsburgh (-200) wins again, 6-4.
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