As we dive into this showdown between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Milwaukee Brewers, don't overlook the Pirates. Even though they've got a slightly shabbier regular season record of 44-48 when compared to the Brewers' 54-39, their starting pitcher, Paul Skenes is having one heck of a regular season flaunting a 2.13 ERA, and a 1.02 WHIP. Let's appreciate the strikeouts-per-nine-innings at a solid 11.9! Just to compare, over there at the Brewers camp is Aaron Civale, doing his best with a 5.39 ERA and 1.45 WHIP this season.
Glance at the roster, the Pirates come packing with some big guns. Guys like Bryan Reynolds and Rowdy Tellez are ripping up the season boasting 0.330 and 0.325 batting averages respectively. With Oneil Cruz adding some firepower too.
Now let's not forget about the Brewers. They're not shooting blanks either. Christian Yelich's stats are lighting up my board here with a 0.349 batting average. I tell you, this guy could snag flies with a toothpick. But those numbers from Rhys Hoskins though, 0.186 batting average, I guess nobody's perfect huh?
Looking back at the history books, these two teams have had quite the tussle. Battles won and lost on both fronts. But hey, I can't say past performance predict future results. Yet, it does spice up the soup of prediction, doesn't it?
The venue, American Family Field, can certainly play a part in this throws of contention. Though, I mean, it's just another field, right? A hundred-foot wall might make for a win different narrative but unfortunately, that's not the case.
At the end of the day or should I say, at the end of the ninth inning, it's certainly going to be a showdown worth watching. In this game of glorious uncertainties, I have a little inclination towards the Pirates.
Albert’s Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates by 2