Milwaukee Brewers Visit Hot Pirates Team for Critical September Series at PNC Park
Series Overview and Standings Impact
The Milwaukee Brewers (87-55) continue their road trip against the Pittsburgh Pirates (64-78) at PNC Park. The Brewers currently hold first place in the NL Central, while the Pirates sit in fifth place.
Team Performance and Recent Trends
Despite the standings difference, Pittsburgh has emerged as one of the hottest teams in MLB recently. The Pirates have been particularly strong at home, winning their last seven home games. They’ve also shown impressive form in night games against National League opponents, covering the run line in their last eight such contests.
The statistical comparison between the teams reveals the Brewers’ strengths, as they rank second in runs scored (5.1 per game) and tied for second in team batting average (.259), while the Pirates have struggled offensively, ranking 30th in runs (3.7 per game) and 28th in batting average (.234).
Pitching Matchups and Player Performance
Saturday’s game features Brandon Woodruff (3.69 ERA, 3.57 FIP) on the mound for Milwaukee. Woodruff has accumulated 66 strikeouts over 53 2/3 innings this season. He has historically performed well against Pittsburgh, holding a 7-3 record with a 3.25 ERA in 18 career appearances. In his last outing against the Pirates on August 13, he pitched four scoreless innings with four strikeouts.
Impact Players to Watch
For the Pirates, Oneil Cruz has been a key offensive contributor with 19 home runs and 54 RBIs, while Bryan Reynolds has provided 15 home runs and 70 RBIs this season. Cruz has shown particular power against the Brewers at PNC Park, hitting home runs in two of the Pirates’ last three home games against Milwaukee.
Series Significance
The Brewers’ success this season has been built on pitching, defense, and speed, though they’ve had to find new sources of power following the departure of Willy Adames, who hit 32 home runs last season. This series represents an important test as they look to maintain their division lead heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
