Megan: One run. That's all the Pirates could scratch out last night in St. Louis. And today, they get a chance to salvage the series against the Cardinals. Buckle up, because we're breaking down exactly what has to change.
Steve: And we're not just talking about the bats. We're talking about the pitching matchup, the bullpen, and the injuries that are stacking up. This is a big one for a team trying to finish strong.
Megan: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, Pirates fans! I'm Megan, and alongside me is the sharpest baseball mind in the Burgh, Steve. We're coming to you after a tough 4-1 loss to the Cardinals, but today's a new day.
Steve: That's right. We've got a full preview of today's series finale. We'll talk pitching, we'll talk hitters, we'll talk bullpen, and we'll give you our keys to walking out of St. Louis with a win.
Megan: Here's what's on the docket today: First, we're diving into the pitching probables for this afternoon's game. Then, we're looking at the key hitters and the bullpen questions that are plaguing this team. And finally, we'll give you our keys to the game and a bold prediction.
Steve: Let's get into it.
Megan: Alright Steve, let's start with the big picture. The Pirates dropped the opener last night, 4-1. The Cardinals got a strong start from Quinn Mathews, who picked up his first big league win. How do we see the pitching matchup shaping up today?
Steve: Well, Megan, we don't have the official probables yet, but we know the Cardinals are going to be tough at home. They've been playing well, and they're sitting just above the Pirates in the standings. This is a crucial game for momentum.
Megan: Absolutely. And let's not forget, the Pirates are 65-71, sitting fourth in the NL Central. They're not going to catch the top teams, but they can play spoiler and build some confidence for next year.
Steve: Exactly. And that starts with the starting pitching. We've seen flashes from the rotation, but consistency has been the issue. Paul Skenes has been electric, but he's not pitching today. So the question is, who gets the ball?
Megan: We've got a few names on the roster that could go. Jared Jones, Bubba Chandler, Braxton Ashcraft. All young arms with high ceilings. Do you have a feel for who we might see?
Steve: I'd lean toward Jared Jones. He's been solid lately, and he's got the stuff to shut down a lineup like the Cardinals. But the key is keeping the ball in the yard. That's been a problem for him at times.
Megan: And the Cardinals have some power. Jimmy Crooks hit a two-run homer last night. So that's a real threat.
Steve: No doubt. And that's why the pitching matchup is so important. We need a starter who can go deep and limit the damage, because the bullpen has been shaky.
Megan: We'll get to the bullpen in a minute. But first, let's talk about that offense. Last night, the Pirates managed just one run. What's going on with the bats?
Steve: It's been a season-long struggle, Megan. We've talked about it before. The team is hitting for average, but the power numbers are down. They're not driving the ball with consistency.
Megan: And it's not for lack of talent. You've got Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Brandon Lowe. These are guys who can change the game with one swing. But they're not getting the pitches to hit, or they're pressing.
Steve: Plate discipline is a big part of it. They're chasing pitches out of the zone. And when they do get a good pitch, they're not squaring it up. We need to see better at-bats, especially in key situations.
Megan: Alright, so what's the plan for today? How do they approach this Cardinals pitcher?
Steve: They need to be patient, work counts, and try to get into the bullpen early. The Cardinals' bullpen is good, but it's not invincible. If we can get the starter out by the fifth or sixth, we've got a chance.
Megan: That's the game plan. Now let's shift gears and talk about the key hitters and those bullpen concerns. Stick with us.
Megan: Alright Steve, we're back. Let's talk hitters. Who needs to step up today for the Pirates?
Steve: First and foremost, Oneil Cruz. He's the catalyst. When he's going, the whole lineup feeds off it. We saw what he can do earlier in the season. He's been a little streaky lately, but he's due for a big game.
Megan: He's got that combination of power and speed that can change a game in an instant. And then you've got Bryan Reynolds, who's been the most consistent hitter all year.
Steve: Reynolds is the anchor. He's going to get his hits. But we need the guys around him to produce. Brandon Lowe has been a nice addition at second base, and Spencer Horwitz has been solid at first. But we need more from the bottom of the order.
Megan: We've also got some young guys getting opportunities. Nick Yorke, Billy Cook, Esmerlyn Valdez. These are players who could be part of the future. It's good to see them getting playing time.
Steve: Absolutely. And that's one of the positives of this time of year. You get to see what you have for next season. But today, we need production, not just development.
Megan: Now, let's talk about the bullpen. That's been a sore spot all season. What's the biggest concern?
Steve: The biggest concern is the lack of a reliable bridge to the closer. We've got Kirby Yates at the back end, and he's been solid. But we've seen leads slip away in the sixth and seventh innings because the middle relievers can't hold it.
Megan: And it's not for lack of options. You've got Camilo Doval, Gregory Soto, Luke Weaver. These are experienced guys. But they've been inconsistent.
Steve: Exactly. And that's why the starter needs to go deep. If we can get seven innings out of the starter, we only need to piece together two innings from the pen. That's a much more manageable task.
Megan: And injuries are piling up. We just saw the injury report. Mitch Keller is on the 60-day IL. Endy Rodriguez is on the 10-day. And Everson Pereira is out too. That's a lot of talent on the shelf.
Steve: It's a tough blow. Keller was supposed to be a key piece of the rotation. But it gives other guys a chance. That's the silver lining. Braxton Ashcraft has stepped up, and Bubba Chandler has shown flashes.
Megan: So with all these injuries and the bullpen issues, what's the mindset for today's game?
Steve: It's simple. We need to win today. We can't look too far ahead. One game at a time. And that starts with a strong start from our pitcher, and some timely hitting.
Megan: Alright, let's take a quick break. When we come back, we'll give you our keys to the game and our bold predictions. Don't go anywhere.
Megan: Welcome back. We're here with our keys to the game. Steve, give us your number one key.
Steve: Number one key: get ahead in the count. The Pirates have been swinging at too many first pitches, and getting themselves into hitters' counts. We need to work the count, get the starter out of the game early, and get into that Cardinals bullpen.
Megan: And what about the defense? We saw some sloppy play last night. How important is that today?
Steve: Defense is huge. We can't give extra outs. The Cardinals are too good to give them free bases. We need to make the routine plays and limit the damage.
Megan: Alright, and now for the bold predictions. Steve, you're up first.
Steve: I'm going to say the Pirates win this one 5-3. I think Oneil Cruz gets back on track and hits a two-run homer. And the bullpen, despite its struggles, manages to hold on.
Megan: I like that. I'm going to go a little different. I think it's a pitcher's duel, and the Pirates win 2-1 on a late home run by Bryan Reynolds. The pitching is the story.
Steve: I can see that. The pitching has been better lately, and if we can get a quality start, we've got a good chance.
Megan: Alright, there you have it. Our keys and our predictions. Now, let's wrap this up.
Megan: To recap: we need a strong start, timely hitting, and solid defense. If we can do that, we'll walk out of St. Louis with a series split. But we need to see it happen on the field.
Steve: And don't forget to subscribe to the Beatline Podcast Network, rate us five stars, and share this episode with your fellow Bucs fans. It helps us bring you the best coverage all season long.
Megan: We'll be back tomorrow with all the reaction from today's game. Until then, let's go Bucs!
Steve: Let's go Bucs!