Rockies at Pirates (Game 1)
Five has been the ceiling for the Pittsburgh offense – and the Pittsburgh pitching staff – through 16 games this season. The Pirates own the worst batting average in the majors (.202) and have yet to score more than five runs in a game. But Pittsburgh is 7-9 thanks to a pitching staff that ranks fifth in baseball in ERA (2.91) and hasn’t allowed more than five runs a game. Colorado’s offense looks to change that. The Rockies are fifth in the majors in batting average (.266).
The doubleheader is a result of the rainout of Monday’s series opener. Colorado doesn’t stand still on the bases. The Rockies have 14 stolen bases in 14 games. The Pirates have struggled just to get on base this season, and are the first time since the 1965 Pirates to not score more than five runs or give up more than five runs in a game this deep into a season.
TV: 12:35 p.m. ET, Root Sports (Denver), Root Sports (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Colorado RH Juan Nicasio (1-0, ERA 6.19) vs. Pittsburgh RH James McDonald (0-1, ERA 3.45).
Run support has benefited Nicasio, as the Rockies have scored 15 runs in his past two starts. After walking five in a 2 2/3 inning start against Arizona on April 13, the right-hander rebounded to pitch 6 1/3 innings against San Diego in his last start on April 18. Nicasio gave up seven hits but did not walk a batter, picking up the victory. McDonald needed 78 pitches to get through four innings in his past start April 18 at Arizona, allowing three hits and one run. The right-hander is 3-1 with a 4.07 ERA in seven career appearances (four starts) against the Rockies.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Colorado shortstop Troy Tulowitzki is 4-for-9 with two doubles against McDonald.
2. Pittsburgh enters Wednesday’s doubleheader having won five of eight since a five-game losing streak.
3. Colorado outfielder Eric Young has just 13 at-bats this season, but he’s made the most of his opportunities. Young is hitting .385 with a double, a triple, four runs scored and three stolen bases.