Indians Look to Extend Win Streak Against Struggling Pirates: Series Preview and Odds
The Cleveland Indians (38-28) face the Pittsburgh Pirates (23-44) in a three-game interleague series at PNC Park. The Indians enter on a hot streak after sweeping the Baltimore Orioles, while the Pirates have lost 10 straight games.
Series Schedule (All times ET)
- Friday, June 18 - 7:05 pm
- Saturday, June 19 - 4:05 pm
- Sunday, June 20 - 1:05 pm
Pitching Matchups
- Friday: J.C. Mejia (1-1, 4.26 ERA) vs. Chad Kuhl (0-4, 6.52 ERA)
- Saturday: Cal Quantrill (0-2, 3.11 ERA) vs. Wil Crowe (0-4, 6.75 ERA)
- Sunday: Sam Hentges (1-1, 7.57 ERA) vs. JT Brubaker (4-5, 3.88 ERA)
Team Comparison
- Offense: Indians average 4.25 runs/game (17th), Pirates average 3.39 runs/game (30th)
- Defense: Indians allow 4.26 runs/game (14th), Pirates allow 4.88 runs/game (22nd)
Key Players Indians:
- José Ramírez: .272/.352/.544, 16 HR, 44 RBI, 47 runs
- Bobby Bradley: .364/.440/.773, 3 HR in last 7 games
Pirates:
- Bryan Reynolds: .293/.393/.504, 10 HR, 32 RBI, 38 runs
- Ben Gamel: .412/.412/.706, 1 HR in last 6 games
Series Outlook The Indians hold pitching advantages in the first two games and face a struggling Pirates offense. Currently 3.5 games behind the White Sox in the AL Central, Cleveland needs a series win but should aim for a sweep against the slumping Pirates.