Pittsburgh Pirates Head to the Desert Looking to Stay Hot

PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 17: Jacob Stallings #58 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is drenched with water thrown by teammates after hitting a walk-off grand slam home run to give the Pirates a 9-7 win over the New York Mets during the game at PNC Park on July 17, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JULY 17: Jacob Stallings #58 of the Pittsburgh Pirates is drenched with water thrown by teammates after hitting a walk-off grand slam home run to give the Pirates a 9-7 win over the New York Mets during the game at PNC Park on July 17, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
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PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 16: Ke’Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the New York Mets at PNC Park on July 16, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – JULY 16: Ke’Bryan Hayes #13 of the Pittsburgh Pirates in action during the game against the New York Mets at PNC Park on July 16, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Pirate offense looking to stay hot against a bad pitching staff

For much of the season the Pittsburgh Pirates have been one of the worst offensive teams in baseball. During their current 6-4 stretch, however, they have averaged 5.3 runs per game. This recent offensive success could continue this week against the Diamondbacks.

On the season Arizona’s pitching stuff owns a 5.45 ERA and a 4.97 FIP, both of which are worst in the National League. Arizona pitchers have allowed a National League worst 139 home runs this season and their 19.9% strikeout rate is the lowest in the league.

Facing a poor pitching staff can help Adam Frazier get back on track after a poor game on Sunday, as he continues to solidify his status as the best hitter available on the trade market. It can help Bryan Reynolds continue to post MVP type numbers, as well as helping Ke’Bryan Hayes continue to bounce back after hitting a mid-season slump.

If the Pirate offense is able to capitalize on a poor Diamondback pitching staff then it could lead to another series victory for the Bucs. Now, of course, this would require a poor Pirate pitching staff to have a strong series, which could be asking a lot.

Schedule