Pirates vs Guardians: Essential Series Preview

Pirates vs Guardians Series Overview

The Pirates and Guardians will play three games at Progressive Field this weekend as the Guardians look to try to get their season back on track against a struggling Pirates ballclub. The Pirates enter the weekend at 62-71 with a -46 run differential, 27th in team wRC+ at 87, 25th in Defensive WAR at -38.5, 13th in Baserunning Runs Above Average at 3.8, 14th in Starting Pitcher FIP at 4.10, and 13th in relief pitcher FIP at 3.95. The Guardians are 76-58 with a +68 run differential, 18th in team wRC+ at 98, 2nd in Defensive WAR at 14, 18th in Baserunning Runs Above Average at -1.6, 28th in Starting Pitcher FIP at 4.80, and 1st in relief pitcher FIP at 3.35.

Matchups Overview

• Game One: Bailey Falter, LHP (4.27 FIP) vs. Ben Lively, RHP (4.78 FIP), Friday, 7:10PM EST
• Game Two: L.L. Ortiz, RHP (4.20 FIP) vs. Matthew Boyd, LHP (4.19 FIP), Saturday, 6:10PM EST
• Game Three: Mitch Keller, RHP (3.87 FIP) vs. Joey Cantillo, LHP (7.19 FIP) or Alex Cobb, RHP possibly, Sunday, 1:40PM EST

Strategies for Success

The Guardians need to make the starting pitcher work, get into the pen, and try to put the ball in play on a horrid Pirates defense. That’s the recipe for success. Matthew Boyd has been a breath of fresh air since his arrival, and I hope that continues. In Game Three, the Pirates are actually far worse at hitting RHP than LHP (84 wRC+ vs. 95 wRC+). A right-handed pitcher would be ideal for that match.

Your Takeaway

The Guardians need to find a way to win this series while missing key players.