Phillies vs. Pirates Prediction and Odds for Saturday, July 30 (Keller's Improved Pitching Won't Help Bucs)
By Josh Yourish
Philadelphia could win the battle for Pennsylvania by third round KO tonight in Pittsburgh after taking the first two games of this four-game series in western PA.
After last night’s victory, the Phillies are 53-47 and winners of three straight. They are in a deadlock with St. Louis for the final Wild Card spot in the National League. The Pirates on the other hand are 20 games below .500 and the third worst team in the NL.
Mitch Keller goes for Pittsburgh and Ranger Suarez takes the ball for Philly.
Odds are available at WynnBET Sportsbook.
Phillies vs. Pirates Odds, Run Line and Total
Run Line
- Phillies -1.5 (+105)
- Pirates +1.5 (-125)
Moneyline
- Phillies -150
- Pirates +140
Total
- 8.0 (Over +100 / Under -120)
Phillies vs. Pirates Prediction and Pick
Mitch Keller has dropped his ERA down to 4.55, but his 3-7 record is an indication of his early season struggles. Though, he continues to turn his season around with a fairly impressive July. Keller’s last three starts have all been quality ones and yet, the Pirates are only 1-2 in those outings.
The new sinker Keller debuted this season is the best pitch of his career by run value with a -6 run value. It is the type of pitch that can and probably is saving a career and has been his dominant pitch since he began throwing it.
The Pirates have lost five in a row beginning with Keller’s last start against Miami and are 2-8 in their past 10 games. It doesn’t seem that the team has the offense to win enough games now matter how well Keller pitches.
They have an identical OPS against left and right handed pitchers, so Ranger Suarez on the mound is no more or less concerning for the Pirate offense than anyone else. Pittsburgh is a bad team that is playing even worse, and Philly will take the series today.
Pick: Phillies ML -150
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