A distant speck in the St. Louis’ rearview mirror less than three weeks ago, the Pirates look to carry the momentum from an early summer surge that has them in firm position for a third straight playoff berth.
ODDS ANALYSIS
The Pirates closed the first half winning the final three of a four-game set with the division leading Cardinals, the last two in dramatic walk-off fashion, to pull within 2.5 games of first place at the All-Star break. Pittsburgh begins the second half with six straight on the road after playing just three away games since June 22. In the black 10.9 units on the moneyline overall, the Bucs are just 21-19 away from PNC Park this season. The Brewers are still trying to figure out why they’ve been so bad in their own yard. Their 16 home wins are the fewest in the majors and they are the least profitable home team down 15.38 units on the moneyline
Pittsburgh’s had the better of Milwaukee in the season series winning six of the first nine games and the teams will play at Miller Park for the first time since early April when the Buccos took two of three. The clubs combined for nine runs total during a three-game series in Pittsburgh June 8-10 with the Brewers winning twice and the under cashing in all three.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The Pirates haven’t officially named a starter for Sunday’s game but in all likelihood Gerrit Cole (13-3, 2.30 ERA) will get the call. He allowed two runs and six hits over seven innings to St. Louis on July 10 to pick up his Major League leading 13th win of the season. Cole has been consistent completing at least seven innings in nine of his 18 starts while allowing three or fewer earned runs in all but one. He tossed an inning with a walk and a strikeout in Tuesday’s All-Star Game.
The Brewers give the ball to rookie Taylor Jungmann (4-1, 2.15 ERA) who’s been spectacular through his first seven career starts. He tossed his first complete game holding the Dodgers to three hits and a run with seven strikeouts in a 7-1 win on July 11. Not a highly-regarded prospect in the team’s organization, Jungmann has been a pleasant surprise but with a low-90s heater and average curve, he could be brought down a notch.
Jungmann made his first career start against the Pirates on June 9, giving up three hits and a run with five Ks over seven innings in a 4-1 win.
QUOTE TO NOTE
“If people didn’t think we’re for real, they probably do now. I just think it’s the culture were trying to create here. We’re slowly getting there. Sure we’ve got a ways to go. We know we’re heading in the right direction.” – Pirates shortstop Jordy Mercer
LIVE BETTING or SITUATIONAL BETTING
The importance of Andrew McCutchen to the Pirates was never more evident than during the first half of the 2015 season. His game is speed and daring. His power is sneaky, his defense as good as anyone. Mostly, McCutchen is really good. On May 22, the Bucs were 18-22 and nine games behind St. Louis in the NL Central. That slow start was partly on McCutchen, who was hitting just .188 on May 6. Since then he’s been the same guy who won the NL MVP Award in 2013. Over his last 60 games, McCutchen is hitting .343 with 22 doubles, 10 home runs and five stolen bases. In those 60 games the Pirates are 41-19. “I know what I’m capable of doing, even with a slow start,” McCutchen said during the All-Star break.
PROP TALK
Milwaukee’s Ryan Braun has quietly tried to establish himself as a threat after his embarrassing ordeal and suspension for PED use in 2013. It was a struggle for him last season but he’s having a nice comeback season in 2015, batting .275 with 16 home runs and 56 RBIs through the first half. He tripled in his only at-bat in Tuesday’s All-Star Game and his last four hits over three games, including the Midsummer Classic, have been for the cycle. He ended the first half with a home run and single at LA on July 12. Braun hits .308 in his career against the Pirates with 27 home runs and 95 RBIs in 123 career games against them.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Sometimes you feel like it’s just meant to be. I’m sure the Pirates got that feeling after beating the Cardinals in back-to-back walk-offs to end the first half. But the Buccos are still in second and beating the last place Brewers is almost a necessity if they are to overtake the Cards for the top spot in the Central. As good as Brewers’ starter Taylor Jungmann has been, we’re still not convinced. The Bucs were silenced by the rookie once this season. It won’t happen again.
Pittsburgh 6, Milwaukee 3
BookMaker will send out the baseball odds for this marquee matchup before any other sportsbook. Since this game can be seen by anyone with a TV, BookMaker will have a multitude of wagering options available for it. Outside of the normal lines, you can gamble on real-time moneylines, player props and inning totals. Live betting is open during every commercial break!
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