The Pittsburgh Pirates are in the midst of a thrilling playoff push as they aim to end their eight-year postseason drought with just 60 games left in the regular season. The team’s recent hot streak has put them in contention for a wild-card spot in the National League, making each game crucial as they battle it out with other teams vying for the same spot.
The Pirates have won 10 of their past 13 games, including series wins over top teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals. Their success has been fueled by standout performances from players like Bryan Reynolds, who has been a key contributor with five home runs and 15 RBIs in July alone. Unfortunately, Reynolds was recently placed on the bereavement list, but other players like Rowdy Tellez have stepped up in his absence, showcasing the team’s depth and resilience.
As the Pirates gear up for a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, they will look to continue their winning ways on the road. Manager Derek Shelton emphasized the importance of maintaining their momentum against tough opponents, emphasizing the team’s need to play well in order to secure a playoff spot.
On the other side, the Diamondbacks are also coming off a successful stretch of games, winning eight of their past 11 contests. All-Star Ketel Marte has been a standout performer for Arizona, hitting three home runs in the recent series against the Kansas City Royals. The Diamondbacks will pose a formidable challenge for the Pirates, especially with Marte’s hot bat in the lineup.
The pitching matchup for the series opener features Pittsburgh’s Luis Ortiz against Arizona’s Zac Gallen. Ortiz has been in top form recently, allowing just one run in his last three starts, while Gallen has been solid against the Pirates in his career. Both pitchers will look to shut down their opponents and give their teams a chance to secure a crucial win in the playoff race.
Overall, the upcoming series between the Pirates and Diamondbacks promises to be an exciting showdown between two teams fighting for a spot in the postseason. With both teams playing at a high level, fans can expect intense and competitive games as the race for the playoffs heats up in the final stretch of the season.
