Published Apr 3, 3:58am ET by
Demilade Adelekun - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Apr 3, 3:58am ET
Updated Apr 3, 4:03am ET
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| Pittsburgh Pirates | +105 |
| Baltimore Orioles | -105 |
Shane Baz starts for Baltimore after allowing 7 hits over 5.1 innings in his debut with the Orioles. The 26-year-old went 10-12 with a 4.87 ERA and 1.33 WHIP last year in 166.1 innings for Tampa Bay before getting traded to Baltimore in December.
This year, Baltimore is hitting .255 with 5 home runs through six games. Taylor Ward leads with 4 RBI while batting .333. Tyler O'Neill has 1 homer and 3 RBI. The Orioles have scored 26 runs and sit 3-3. The pitching staff ERA is 4.33.
Carmen Mlodzinski goes for Pittsburgh after allowing 6 hits and striking out 8 over 4.1 innings in his first start. The 27-year-old went 5-8 with a 3.55 ERA last year, but only made 12 starts. He spent most of last season in the bullpen, where he was much better. In relief, he had a 2.15 ERA and 1.09 WHIP over 50.1 innings. As a starter, he had a 4.99 ERA and 1.52 WHIP over 48.2 innings.
As a team, Pittsburgh is hitting .231 with 10 home runs through six games. Oneil Cruz is on fire with 3 homers, 6 RBI, and a .304 average. Ryan O'Hearn is batting .421 with 2 homers and 6 RBI. The Pirates have scored 29 runs and sit 3-3 after winning two straight. The pitching staff ERA is 3.67.
This matchup features two pitchers with major question marks about whether they can hold up as starters. Baz has the better stuff when he's right, but also the higher ceiling for disaster. One bad inning and he can give up four runs before you blink. We can see this being a bit of a blunder for him. Pittsburgh is at home with the better offense. Taking the Pirates as the slight underdog is a profitable play.
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Pick
Pirates +105
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