Philadelphia Phillies vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction 9-26-23 MLB Picks

The Pittsburgh Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies clash Tuesday in game 1 of an MLB series at Citizens Bank Park. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.

Pittsburgh Pirates Betting Preview

The Pirates look for a win after winning 6 of their last 10 games. The Pirates are 1 of 5 NL teams bounced from playoff contention. The Pirates pitching staff is 22nd in ERA (4.64), 22nd in WHIP (1.39) and 15th in quality starts (52). The Pirates' offense is 21st in runs per game (4.31), 25th in batting average (.239) and 25th in homers (157). Bryan Reynolds leads the Pirates with 147 hits and 82 RBI, while Ke'Bryan Hayes and Andrew McCutchen have combined for 231 hits and 104 RBI. Mitch Keller gets the ball, and he is 13-9 with a 4.25 ERA and 204 strikeouts this season. Keller is 0-3 with a 6.53 ERA and 21 strikeouts in his career against the Phillies.

Pittsburgh Pirates Team Facts

The Pirates have won each of their last eight road games against National League opponents following a road loss.
The Pirates have covered the run line in each of their last nine road games against National League opponents following a road loss.
The 'Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the Pirates' last four games at Citizens Bank Park.
The Pirates have led after 3 innings in each of their last three games against NL East opponents.
The Pirates have trailed after 7 innings in each of their last five night games at Citizens Bank Park against NL East opponents.

Philadelphia Phillies Betting Preview

The Phillies look to build on their 5-game winning streak. The Phillies are first place in the wild card race. The Phillies pitching staff is 11th in ERA (4.02), 8th in WHIP (1.25) and 5th in quality starts (69). The Phillies' offense is 8th in runs per game (4.92), 8th in batting average (.257) and 9th in homers (212). Nick Castellanos leads the Phillies with 169 hits and 106 RBI, while Trea Turner and Bryson Stott have combined for 325 hits and 137 RBI. Aaron Nola gets the ball, and he is 12-9 with a 4.57 ERA and 194 strikeouts this season. Nola is 4-3 with a 4.34 ERA and 54 strikeouts in his career against the Pirates.

Philadelphia Phillies Team Facts

The Phillies have won each of their last nine home games against National League opponents that held a losing record.
The Phillies have covered the run line four of their last five home games against NL Central opponents that held a losing record.
The Phillies have won the first inning in each of their last four night games against NL Central opponents.
The 'Inning 1 OVER 0.5 runs' market has hit in each of the last four games between the Pirates and Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.
The Phillies have led after 3 innings in each of their last four night games against NL Central opponents that held a losing record.

Matchup/League Facts

The Philadelphia Phillies are one of only 2 teams in the league to rank top 10 in both steals and batting average this season.
The Philadelphia Phillies are one of only 2 teams in the league to rank top 10 in both steals and home runs this season.
The Pittsburgh Pirates rank 26th in the league for hits this season (1241).
The Pittsburgh Pirates rank T5th in the league for triples this season (29).

Randy’s Pick

The Pirates have been able to sprinkle in wins here and there, but the truth is they don't have anything to play for, and we could see this group bow out in the last week. The Phillies need another win or two to lock up the top wild card spot, and Aaron Nola is a good option to have on the mound. Nola has a 3.44 ERA and .215 allowed batting average at home. Mitch Keller has a 5.49 ERA and .280 allowed batting average on the road. Give me the Phillies.