Brewers in bad spot against Buccos?
Pittsburgh required a shot of energy to avoid dropping its fifth straight game. The organization’s best player was more than willing to assist.
Buoyed by Andrew McCutchen’s first dinger of the season, the Pirates blanked Milwaukee on Saturday and moved back to .500 on the year. They’ll try to snatch the series when the two National League Central combatants take the field at 1:35 p.m. ET.
Oddsmakers prefer the host team in this rubber-match situation. Online sports book BetDSI lists Clint Hurdle’s troops as 1.5-run favorites, with the Brewers registering as +131 underdogs. The over/under total rests at 7.5 runs.
It’s safe to expect McCutchen to key the Buccos’ efforts today, too. The 2013 NL MVP boasts a .327 average in his past 28 home tilts vs. Milwaukee, hitting safely in nine in a row. No. 7 batter Josh Harrison also enjoys facing the Brew Crew. The infielder is 11 for 25 with six runs in the last six PNC Park meetings with Craig Counsell’s group.
Zach Davies faces the challenge of neutralizing such standouts in several hours. The righty went 3-2 with a 3.71 ERA in 2015, performing the entirety of his work in September. Matt Garza’s replacement in the rotation needs the Brewers’ inconsistent lineup to rebound in a major way after tallying just three base knocks one night ago.
MLB Quick Links: Free Matchup Reports | Injuries | Odds Comparison | Scoreboard | Betting Trends
On the Pittsburgh end, Juan Nicasio (1-1, 5.00) probably won’t go especially deep into the contest. McCutchen’s big blast, however, seemed to stir the rest of the squad. Feel confident with respect to riding the Pirates’ offensive wave here.
SUNDAY MLB FREE PICK: PIRATES -1.5
Want More From TheSpread.com? Follow on Twitter and Facebook or Subscribe to Our News Feeds!
