The Miami Marlins and the Pittsburgh Pirates meet Friday in MLB action from PNC Park. This will be the first game in the final regular-season series of 2023. The Marlins just finished up a set versus the Mets. After a split in the first pair, in the Thursday rubber match Miami saw a rain-delayed, ultimately suspended game in the ninth inning which may need to be concluded on Monday for Wild Card implications. As for Pittsburgh, they’re coming off a set versus the Phillies. The Pirates lost the first two games, then on Thursday Pittsburgh eked out a victory to halt the sweep. Check back all season long for free MLB picks at Sports Chat Place.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins took a rough 11-2 loss to the Mets in the first game of their last series back on Wednesday. In the doubleheader nightcap Miami evened things up with a 4-2 win. In the Thursday finale the Marlins made it all the way to the top of the ninth inning before seeing the game delayed on a 2-1 advantage. With Wild Card implications on the line we may have an unorthodox continuation on Monday. That game would reportedly occur at 1:10 ET if neccesary.
The Marlins are sending out Edward Cabrera for the Friday start. This year in 21 games (19 starts) Cabrera is 7-7 with a 4.22 ERA and 115 Ks in 96.0 innings. Cabrera is 2-2 with a 3.10 ERA in his last seven games (five starts).
Miami Marlins Team Facts
The Marlins have lost each of their last five games against the Pirates following a road win.
The Marlins have failed to cover the run line each of their last six night games against NL Central opponents that held a losing record.
The ‘Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs’ market has hit in each of the Marlins’ last three road games.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Over on the Pittsburgh side, they lost to the Phillies 3-2 and 7-6 in a pair of tough games during their last series. On Thursday in the finale the Pirates were able to get a one-run win of their own, taking it 3-2 on 11 team hits. Jared Triolo posted two RBI and two hits, while Jack Suwinski added two hits with one RBI.
In the starter slot for the Friday opener the Pirates didn’t immediately announce a name.
Pittsburgh Pirates Team Facts
The Pirates have won each of their last eight night games following a road win.
The Pirates have covered the run line in each of their last 10 night games following a road win.
The Pirates have trailed after 7 innings in each of their last five Friday games against NL East opponents that held a winning record.
The Pirates have led after 3 innings in each of their last three home games against National League opponents.
The Pirates have trailed after 5 innings in each of their last five Friday games against NL East opponents that held a winning record.
Matchup/League Facts
The Pittsburgh Pirates rank 26th in the league for home runs this season (159).
The Pittsburgh Pirates rank 5th in the league for triples this season (30).
The Miami Marlins rank 27th in the league for walks this season (420).
The Miami Marlins rank 26th in the league for runs scored this season (655).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I might take a stab on the Pirates here. Despite the sketchy record lately, Pittsburgh’s offense is working pretty well over the last eight games. The Pirates have scored six or more runs in five of those games, and two or more in all of them. Returning back to PNC Park after a lengthy road series (the Pirates have been gone since September 17) certainly can’t hurt. As for Miami, their lengthy rain-delayed Thursday game will certainly throw a wrench into things. The Marlins have legitimate gripes about how the rain delay was handled. Regardless, it was a late, frustrating night and that bodes well for Pittsburgh. All of that said, Cabrera has been pitching well lately and should put Miami in a decent position.
