Megan: After a rough series in LA, the Pirates are looking to get back on track tonight against the Padres. Can they flip the script? I'm Megan.
Steve: And I'm Steve. We've got a brand new series in San Diego, and the Bucs need to find some answers.
Megan: Welcome back to Beatline, Pirates fans! We're coming to you on this Monday, August 24th, and we've got a lot to break down. First, we'll look back at that frustrating sweep at the hands of the Dodgers, then we're going to preview tonight's series opener against the Padres, and finally, we'll give you our keys to the series and a bold prediction. Stick with us.
Megan: Steve, I need to know, how are we feeling after that Dodgers series? That was a tough one to swallow, getting swept after we had such high hopes.
Steve: Yeah, it's a bitter pill. We talked about the possibility of a sweep, but the other way. Losing three straight in LA, especially the way it happened, that's a gut punch. But let's be real, that's a tough place to play, and the Dodgers are arguably the best team in baseball.
Megan: No doubt. But the bright side? We're heading to San Diego, and the Padres are a team we can compete with. Let's talk about the pitching matchup for tonight. Who do we have on the mound?
Steve: Well, they haven't officially announced a starter for tonight, but we're expecting to see Bubba Chandler get the ball. He's been solid for us in his rookie campaign. The Padres, meanwhile, are likely going with Dylan Cease, who's having another strong year.
Megan: Dylan Cease, that's a tough matchup. He's got that wipeout slider. But Bubba's been showing some serious poise. Can he keep us in the game?
Steve: I think he can. He's got the stuff to miss bats, and he's been good at limiting the big innings. The key for him is to keep the ball down in the zone and not let the Padres' big boys get comfortable.
Megan: And we know the Padres have some dangerous hitters. Manny Machado, Fernando Tatis Jr., guys who can change a game with one swing. So what's the game plan for Bubba?
Steve: He's got to live on the edges. Work the outside corner against righties, and don't give Tatis anything in the middle of the plate. If he can get ahead in the count, he can use that swing-and-miss stuff to his advantage.
Megan: Alright, so we know the pitching matchup. But after that Dodgers series, I'm a little worried about the offense. We scored what, three runs total in three games? That's not going to cut it.
Steve: You're right, Megan. The bats went cold. But I'm looking at the guys who are due. Oneil Cruz, he's been in a bit of a slump, but he's one swing away from heating up. And Bryan Reynolds, he's our most consistent hitter, he's going to get his knocks.
Megan: We need those guys to step up. And we need to get some production from the bottom of the lineup, too. It can't just be the top guys carrying the load.
Steve: Absolutely. That's what separates good teams from great ones. But I think the message from the clubhouse is that it's a new series, a fresh start. Let's see if they can put that LA series behind them.
Megan: Alright, we're going to dive into the hitters and the bullpen concerns in just a minute. But first, let's talk about the injuries, because there are some big names on the shelf.
Megan: Steve, we've got a few key guys out. Tyler Glasnow and Bobby Miller are on the 60-day IL for the Dodgers, but that's their problem. For the Pirates, we've got Mitch Keller on the 60-day, and Endy Rodriguez on the 10-day. How much does that hurt us?
Steve: Mitch Keller being out is a big blow to our rotation. He was our veteran presence, and we've had to rely on the young guys. But it's also given guys like Bubba Chandler a chance to step up and prove themselves.
Megan: And what about Endy Rodriguez? He was really starting to come on behind the plate.
Steve: Yeah, that's a tough loss defensively. But Henry Davis has filled in admirably, and Rafael Flores Jr. has shown some promise too. It's a next-man-up mentality.
Megan: Now, let's talk about the bullpen. That was a major concern in the Dodgers series. Can we trust these guys in high-leverage situations?
Steve: It's been a rollercoaster, no doubt. But we've got some arms with electric stuff. Camilo Doval can be dominant when he's on, and Kirby Yates has been a steady hand at the back end. The question is consistency.
Megan: We also saw some flashes from Luke Weaver and Gregory Soto. But it feels like we never know which version of this bullpen is going to show up.
Steve: Exactly. That's the frustrating part. But against the Padres, we need to get length from our starters. If we can get six or seven innings from Bubba tonight, it takes a lot of pressure off the bullpen.
Megan: Speaking of the bullpen, let's talk about the hitters we need to see step up. Oneil Cruz, we've been waiting for him to break out. Is tonight the night?
Steve: I think so, Megan. He's been hitting the ball hard, but right at people. Baseball is a game of inches. He's going to get his. And when he does, watch out, because that power is real.
Megan: And what about Brandon Lowe? He's been a nice addition. Can he provide some pop in the middle of the lineup?
Steve: He's a professional hitter. He knows how to work a count, and he's got some pop. He's been a great veteran presence for this young team. I think he's going to be a key bat in this series.
Megan: Alright, so we know the hitters we need to see step up. Now, let's talk about the keys to this series. What does Pittsburgh need to do to come away with a series win?
Megan: Steve, give me the keys to the series. What's the most important thing for the Pirates to do?
Steve: The biggest key is getting off to a good start. We cannot afford to fall behind early in this ballpark, because Petco Park can be a tough place to come from behind. We need to score first and put the pressure on them.
Megan: And what about the pitching? We need our starters to give us a chance.
Steve: Absolutely. We need quality starts. If we can get six or seven innings from our rotation, and keep the game within reach, I like our chances. The bullpen is still a question mark, but they're capable of getting the job done.
Megan: And defensively, we've got to be sharp. We can't give the Padres extra outs.
Steve: Exactly. Clean defense is huge. And we need to be aggressive on the bases. Not reckless, but aggressive. Take the extra base when it's there, put pressure on their defense.
Megan: Alright, so we've got the keys. Now it's time for our bold prediction. Steve, you go first. What's your call for tonight's game?
Steve: I'm going to say Bubba Chandler goes six strong innings, gives up two runs, and the Pirates offense wakes up. Oneil Cruz hits a two-run homer, and the Pirates win this one 5-3.
Megan: I like that. I'm feeling a little more cautious. I think it's going to be a pitcher's duel early, but the Pirates break through in the seventh. I'll say Pirates win 4-2.
Steve: Both predictions sound good to me. As long as they get the win, that's all that matters.
Megan: And that's our show, Pirates fans! To recap: we're looking for a bounce-back win in San Diego, Bubba Chandler is on the mound, and we need the bats to wake up. Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, and share it with your fellow Bucs fans.
Steve: And as always, let's go Bucs! We'll catch you next time on Beatline.