Pittsburgh will wrap up its three-game series in Philadelphia on Sunday afternoon. The Pirates lost their sixth consecutive game when the series began on Friday night, falling in a 7-4 decision. This story was published prior to Saturday night’s game, which was the second game of the series.
Pittsburgh was among the worst teams in the National League during the first half of the season, but the Pirates were still competitive for the most part. That has not been the case during the second half, as they have been on a free fall since the All-Star break. They have only won consecutive games once since Aug. 4 and have lost 16 of their last 20 games heading into Saturday’s contest. Pittsburgh dropped two out of three against Cincinnati last weekend before getting swept by Atlanta earlier this week. The Pirates have the second-worst record in the NL, sitting only ahead of Washington in the standings.
Gamel making things happen. pic.twitter.com/C7NAVF14AE
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 27, 2022
They have been terrible at the plate this year, ranked No. 29 in team batting average (.220). Center fielder Bryan Reynolds and third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes have each gone over 100 hits on the season, but they have not received much help from their teammates. They are facing a Philadelphia pitching staff that ranks ninth in the majors in ERA (3.74). Right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras is going to be on the mound for Pittsburgh on Sunday. He allowed two runs on four hits and three walks across seven innings against Atlanta in his last start, striking out five batters. The rookie has thrown at least six innings in each of his last two starts since being recalled to the majors. Contreras allowed seven runs in less than two innings on July 7, but he still has a solid 3.86 ERA overall this season.