Diamondbacks vs Pirates: Who Will Win the Friday MLB Showdown?

If you’re a fan of baseball, you won’t want to miss the Diamondbacks vs Pirates game on Friday. These two teams are battling for a spot in the playoffs, and every game counts. But who has the edge in this matchup? Let’s take a look at some key factors that could decide the outcome.

The Diamondbacks’ Strengths

The Diamondbacks are one of the hottest teams in the MLB right now, having won six of their last eight games. They have a balanced offense that can score runs in different ways, led by Pavin Smith, Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll. Smith hit a go-ahead, two-run homer in the seventh inning to lift the Diamondbacks to a 4-3 victory over the Pirates on Saturday[^1^][5]. Marte has been on fire since returning from the injured list, hitting .333 with four homers and 12 RBI in 15 games. Carroll is a rookie sensation who has hit .321 with three homers and nine RBI in 10 games.

The Diamondbacks also have a solid pitching staff that can keep them in any game. Their starters have a 3.76 ERA, which ranks seventh in the MLB, and their bullpen has a 3.54 ERA, which ranks ninth. Their ace is Roansy Contreras, who has a 2.45 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 66 innings. He pitched six scoreless innings and struck out eight against the Pirates on Sunday[^2^][1]. Their closer is Miguel Castro, who has converted four of five save opportunities and has a 1.80 ERA.

The Pirates’ Strengths

The Pirates are not a pushover team, despite their losing record. They have some young talent that can surprise their opponents, especially on offense. Their best hitter is Ke’Bryan Hayes, who has been on a tear lately, hitting .333 with two homers and nine RBI in his last seven games. He accounted for all the Pirates’ scoring with a bases-loaded triple that brought home two runs against the Diamondbacks on Saturday[^1^][5]. He has back-to-back games with at least three RBI for the first time in his career[^2^][1].

The Pirates also have some speed on the basepaths, which can create havoc for the opposing pitchers and defenders. They have stolen 37 bases this season, which ranks fifth in the MLB. Their leader is Tucupita Marcano, who has swiped 12 bags in 14 attempts. He also has some pop in his bat, as he doubled to right field and drove in two runs against the Diamondbacks on Sunday[^2^][1].

The Prediction

Based on the current form and performance of both teams, we predict that the Diamondbacks will win the Friday MLB showdown against the Pirates. They have more firepower on offense and more consistency on pitching than the Pirates, who have been struggling to score runs and prevent them lately. The Diamondbacks also have the momentum of winning their last series against the Pirates, while the Pirates have lost three of their last four games.

However, anything can happen in baseball, and the Pirates could pull off an upset if they play their best game and catch the Diamondbacks off guard. The game will be played at PNC Park, which is a pitcher-friendly ballpark that could favor the Pirates’ pitchers and limit the Diamondbacks’ hitters. The game will also depend on who starts for each team and how they perform.

So, who do you think will win the Friday MLB showdown between the Diamondbacks and the Pirates? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.