Battle in the Keystone State—Series Preview: Pirates at Phillies, April 11 – 14
Photo via the Philadelphia Inquirer
Get ready for some baseball with a side of regional pride! The Philadelphia Phillies and Pittsburgh Pirates lock horns in a four-game series at Citizens Bank Park, April 11th through 14th. This early-season showdown reignites a historic rivalry, one of the National League’s oldest dating back to 1887.
Feasting at Home
Riding the momentum of a strong spring training and a series win against the Cardinals, the Phillies look to dominate on their home turf. The electric atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park will be buzzing with passionate Philly fans ready to see their team tame the Pirates. The offense, a force to be reckoned with thanks to sluggers like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, will be hungry to exploit any weaknesses in the Pirates’ pitching.
Can the Pirates Kill the Mood?
The underdog label belongs to the Pirates. Though boasting young talent like Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds, they’re projected as a team on the rebuild in 2024. But the Pirates have a history of giving the Phillies a run for their money, and their pitching staff, anchored by veterans Roansy Contreras and Mitch Keller, could put up a strong fight.
Can’t Miss Matchups
- Who Leads the Charge?: With Aaron Nola unavailable this series, the Phillies will rely on a different starting pitcher each game. Can young guns like Ranger Suarez or Cristopher Sanchez rise to the occasion and silence the Pirates’ bats? The Pirates, meanwhile, will be looking for strong outings from their young arms, with breakout performances potentially rewriting the narrative.
- Bullpen Battles: Both teams have question marks in their relief squads. Can the Phillies’ bullpen, led by flamethrower Jose Alvarado, nail down close games? The Pirates’ bullpen, with some unproven arms, will be under pressure to keep the Phillies at bay. As of late, Pirates fans have been critical of all-star closer David Bednar, who has allowed six runs in 4.1 innings of work in 2024.
- Home Run Derby: Citizens Bank Park is notorious for favoring hitters. Will Bryce Harper and the Phillies unleash a barrage of long balls against the Pirates’ pitching? Keep an eye on Bryan Reynolds, who has a knack for sending baseballs soaring in Philly.
This four-game clash promises to be an early-season spectacle. The Phillies hold the upper hand with their explosive offense and home-field advantage. But the hungry Pirates shouldn’t be counted out, their young guns eager to prove themselves on a big stage. So grab your favorite ballpark snack, settle in, and prepare for a series packed with history, rivalry, and the potential for some serious offensive fireworks.
Game Times and Broadcasts
Thursday, April 11, at 6:40pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus, WTTM 1680 (Spanish), and 94.1 WIP
Friday, April12, at 6:40pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus, WTTM 1680 (Spanish), and 94.1 WIP
Saturday, April 13, at 4:05pm ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus, WTMM 1680 (Spanish), and 94.1 WIP
Sunday, April 14, at 1:35 ET on NBC Sports Philadelphia Plus, WTTM 1680 (Spanish), and 94.1 WIP
Pitching Matchups
Game 1: Ranger Suarez (LHP, 1-0, 4.09 ERA) vs. Jared Jones (RHP, 1-1, 3.86 ERA)
Game 2: Christopher Sanchez (LHP, 0-1, 4.82 ERA) vs. Bailey Falter (LHP, 0-0, 5.4 ERA)
Game 3: Spencer Turnbull (RHP, 1-0, 0 ERA) vs. Marco Gonzales(LHP, 0-0, 2.45 ERA)
Game 4: Zack Wheler (RHP, 0-2, 1.89 ERA) vs. Mitch Keller (RHP, 1-1, 5.29 ERA)
By the Numbers
- Run Differential
- Phillies: -8
- Pirates: 19
- Runs Scored Per Game
- Phillies: 3.75
- Pirates: 5.75
- Runs Allowed Per Game
- Phillies: 4.42
- Pirates: 4.17
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