Taking a look at the pitching matchup, it's no shocker that the Pirates are favored at PNC Park. Paul Skenes is posting a solid 2.14 ERA with a whip under one while striking out 11.3 batters per nine innings all season. Valente Bellozo of the Marlins, on the other hand, has been more of a journeyman with a 3.87 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.
In terms of hitting, both teams have their share of talent. The Marlins are looking to Connor Norby and Nick Fortes with their above .300 batting averages, and Jake Burger and Jesus Sanchez for their long ball threat. The Pirates, meanwhile, are counting on Nick Gonzales and Oneil Cruz to keep getting on base, and Andrew McCutchen and Joey Bart for some reliable RBIs. Rowdy Tellez seems to be doing some damage himself.
In spite of this, take note that every time these teams squared off lately, the Pirates were pirateering their way to victory, and let's not overlook that the Pirates have been performing somewhat more competently this season, compared to the Marlins. Interestingly, both squads have recently put up some robust numbers against Philadelphia and Washington, showing they're not afraid to swing those bats.
Trying to predict games like these feels a bit like trying to predict the weather, doesn't it? But let's all pull ourselves together now. Time for the moment of truth. So here it goes.
Albert’s Prediction: Pittsburgh Pirates by 3