Brewers, Pirates to post big numbers tonight?
To put it politely, the Brewers’ Taylor Jungmann does not feel great about 2016 so far. Then again, his opponent this evening, Pittsburgh, suddenly looks more vulnerable than it has been in years.
The two National League Central rivals will meet at 7:05 p.m. ET in the middle contest of a three-game set. According to oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI, the host club remains a 1.5-run favorite.
Friday night’s result wouldn’t have suggested as much. Left fielder Ryan Braun’s two-run bomb in the eighth served as the knockout blow in Milwaukee’s 8-4 triumph at PNC Park. The Pirates have permitted 30 runs in dropping four straight and have lost six of seven following a 4-0 start.
Perhaps they can hit the reboot button against Jungmann (0-1, 11.57 ERA), although recent history definitely invites skepticism. The righty went 3-0 with a 2.42 ERA in four duels with the Buccos last season. He fanned 20 and limited Clint Hurdle’s corps to a .165 average. Andrew McCutchen, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, Josh Harrison and Francisco Cervelli were particularly woeful vs. Jungmann, going a combined 5 for 29.
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Pittsburgh counters with southpaw Jonathon Niese, who was serviceable in Monday’s 7-4 win. Of course, a merely competent outing won’t be enough to silence Braun, Jonathan Villar (.308) and company. We anticipate another back-and-forth divisional bout.
SATURDAY MLB FREE PICK: BREWERS/PIRATES OVER 8 RUNS
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