Pittsburgh Pirates: Previewing First Trip of the Season to Milwaukee

PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 13: Chad Kuhl #39 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the San Diego Padres at PNC Park on April 13, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - APRIL 13: Chad Kuhl #39 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action against the San Diego Padres at PNC Park on April 13, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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Apr 12, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Freddy Peralta (51) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports /

Game Three
Date: Sunday, April 18, 2021
Time: 2:10 PM EST
Pitching Matchup: Chad Kuhl (6.75 ERA, 8.86 FIP) vs Freddy Peralta (0.69 ERA, 2.52 FIP)

Sunday afternoon’s series finale features a pitching matchup that, on paper at least, heavily favors the Brew Crew. Chad Kuhl will look to find his groove for the Pirates after struggling in his first three starts of the season. Meanwhile, the Brewers will send Freddy Peralta, who has pitched lights out thus far this season, to the mound.

Through his first three starts this season Kuhl has not been able to consistently find the strike zone. He has walked 27.3% of batters faced and has thrown just 48.9% of his pitches for strikes. This has contributed to Kuhl posting just a 14.5% strikeout rate through his first three starts.

The 1st inning has been a major issue for Kuhl this season. 8 of the 9 earned runs he has allowed have been in the 1st inning. Pitching a clean opening inning would go a long way toward Kuhl finding success in Sunday’s start.

Additionally, the Brewers may be what Kuhl needs to get back on track. Kuhl owns a 1.73 ERA across 41.2 innings pitched in eight outings against the Brewers. In four starts at Miller Park, Kuhl owns a 1.85 ERA in 24.1 innings pitched.

Peralta, meanwhile, has been electric for the Brewers. He has pitched 13 innings in three outings this season, striking out 47.1% of batters faced and the lone run he has allowed came on a solo home run.

Control has been a bit of a concern for Peralta, though, as he’s walked 17.6% of batters faced and he’s thrown a wild pitch in his first 13 innings of the season. If Pirate batters can be patient at the plate on Sunday afternoon then they may be able to find success against Peralta.

Next. Options for Center Field. dark

Can the Pittsburgh Pirates find success at their house of horrors this weekend? We will find out! Make sure to stay tuned here at Rum Bunter for coverage throughout the weekend and follow along on our social media accounts for live series coverage.