Pittsburgh Pirates vs Philadelphia Phillies Prediction & Picks - MLB

Prediction published on 7/20/24, 3:04 PM  by Bill Christy in MLB Picks

The Philadelphia Phillies (62-35) will try to shake off blowing a 4-run lead against the Pittsburgh Pirates (49-48) yesterday. The scoring came quickly in that game as both teams posted 3 runs in the 1st inning. The Phillies then led 8-4 into the 7th inning. Orion Kerkering allowed 2 runs in relief there and then Jose Alvarado blew the save in the 9th by allowing 2 more. Weston Wilson and Trea Turner both went deep for the Phillies in the loss but O’Neil Cruz of the Pirates was the offensive MVP of the game. He went 3-5 with 2 doubles and 3 RBIs in the win. Today, Christopher Sanchez (7-4, 2.96) will be on the hill for the Phillies. He has continued to look like the most improved pitched in the league as he held the Dodgers to 2 runs and picked up his 7th win before the break.  The Pirates will go with Luis Ortiz (4-2, 2.84) in hopes of winning the series in just 2 games. He has been strong lately. He has allowed just 3 runs over his last 19.2 innings of work. It will be interesting to see what Rob Thompson, Phillies manager, does if they are leading once again late in this game. Jeff Hoffman struck out all 3 batters in his 8th inning of work yesterday and looks like he should become their closer.