2025-09-09 Pirates at Orioles Matchup Preview

Pitching Matchup: Pirates' Ashcraft and Burrows vs. Orioles' Bradish

Braxton Ashcraft and Mike Burrows are expected to take the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates in some capacity, while Kyle Bradish will start for the Baltimore Orioles. Analyzing Bradish, the Orioles' right-hander brings a diverse arsenal to the mound. Opposing him will be the Pirates, who need a strong performance from their rookie pitchers in a pivotal part of the season if they want to secure a win. Ashcraft and Burrows will look to control the Orioles hitters.

Pirates' Offensive Outlook

The Pittsburgh Pirates enter this game with an offense that has posted an expected weighted on-base average of .314. One crucial aspect of their approach is going to be trying to figure out how to raise their batting average on balls in play, which can be attributed to luck or how hard the ball is hit. When facing a pitcher like Bradish, the Pirates will look to improve upon their expected weighted on-base average, by getting more runners on base and creating traffic for the heart of the order to drive them in. Pirates hitters must be disciplined at the plate, forcing Bradish to work deep into counts and capitalizing on any mistakes. If the Pirates can elevate their percentages of pitches put in play, they should improve on their offensive numbers.

Orioles' Offensive Strengths

The Baltimore Orioles' offense has showcased its power potential and consistency throughout the season, highlighted by a .323 expected weighted on-base average. This shows the ability to consistently get on base, which is a great way to put pressure on opposing pitchers. An area of concern for opposing pitchers is that the Orioles have a favorable percentage of pitches that become hits, leading to more base runners and scoring opportunities. The Pirates' pitchers, Ashcraft and Burrows, need to focus on inducing soft contact and keeping the ball out of the middle of the plate. Limiting the Orioles' opportunities with runners in scoring position will be paramount to the Pirates' success. A critical factor will be the Orioles' ability to maintain a high batting average on balls in play, as it directly translates to run production.

Bullpen Battle and Defensive Edge

Both teams will likely lean on their bullpens in the later innings, making relief pitching a key factor. The Pirates' bullpen has been inconsistent at times, so it will be crucial for Ashcraft and Burrows to pitch deep into the game to avoid overtaxing the relief corps. The Orioles, known for their strong bullpen, will look to bridge the gap to their closer effectively. The Pirates and Orioles both bring solid defenses to the field. Minimizing errors and making timely plays will be crucial, especially in a game that is expected to be closely contested. A key defensive play can shift the momentum and save crucial runs, potentially deciding the outcome.

Prediction

Considering the pitching matchups, offensive capabilities, and defensive strengths of both teams, this game is shaping up to be a tight, low-scoring affair. The Pirates' young pitchers will face a tough challenge against the Orioles' potent offense, while Bradish will need to navigate the Pirates' lineup carefully. The team that can capitalize on opportunities and make the fewest mistakes will likely emerge victorious.

Predicted Score: Pirates 4, Orioles 3