Pittsburgh Pirates (45-67) vs. San Francisco Giants (49-63)
The San Francisco Giants continue their push to try to make the playoffs as a wildcard team when they welcome the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday. San Francisco enters this contest 7.5 games behind San Diego for the final wildcard spot in the National League. Pittsburgh would need a miracle to be able to get into the playoffs, as they are 17.0 out in the wildcard chase.
San Francisco enters as a clear favorite at -280, with Pittsburgh it +225. When giving up 1.5 runs, the Giants are still the favorite at -115 with the Pirates at -105. The total is set at 7.5 (over: +100, under: -120). San Francisco took two of the three games between these teams (June 17-19) in Pittsburgh and the teams have split the last 10 meetings.
While Pittsburgh may be all but eliminated from playoff contention, this team still has an opportunity to build for next season. That includes trying to get this offense on track. The Pirates enter the series 28th in runs scored at 3.71, and things have not been better over the last 24 games, as the Pirates are hitting .213 with just 13 home runs and 81 runs scored, an average of 3.38 runs per contest.
Making things happen. pic.twitter.com/yvmgGWidP1
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) August 11, 2022
The team is near the bottom in all offensive categories, including 29th in team batting average (.220) and 28th and OPS (.650). However, they have shown some pop, hitting 110 home runs in 112 games, but are hitting about one homerun every other game in recent weeks. The lack of offensive production has been a key reason why this team is struggling, as the pitching staff is allowing 5.13 runs per game, 27th overall. They are simply not able to make up for the shortcomings of a young staff.
Bryse Wilson is one with some experience, making his 47th appearance of his MLB career on Friday. Wilson is 2-6 with a 5.86 ERA in five appearances, 12 of which are starts. He has worked exclusively out of the starting rotation since returning to the club on June 14. The right-hander has pitched well over his last six starts, allowing 12 earned runs in 32.1 innings.