Astros vs Pirates predictions
When the Houston Astros take the field, you know the spotlight is bound to find a few of their big names. Jeremy Pena has been red hot this season and I expect him to keep the momentum going at PNC Park, likely coming through with multiple hits and setting the table for the middle of the lineup. Jose Altuve looks ready to spark the offense, so don’t be surprised if he not only reaches base a couple times, but also finds himself crossing the plate thanks to some timely hits. Isaac Paredes is the guy I’m watching for some pop—he’s been delivering consistent power numbers, and this could be another night he deposits the ball into the seats.
Now let’s talk Pirates. Andrew McCutchen always finds a way to make things interesting and I’d put my money on him slapping a few hits tonight, maybe even drawing a crucial walk to set the stage for RBI opportunities. Oneil Cruz is another guy hard to ignore—his raw talent and speed make him a threat every time he’s at bat or on the basepaths, and there’s a good chance he’ll do some damage tonight, perhaps with a big extra-base hit or a sneaky stolen base. Don’t sleep on Bryan Reynolds either—he’s the steady hand in that lineup and should be good for a base knock or two with a chance to drive in a run if the table is set.
So, who’s taking this one home? The Houston Astros look like the more complete squad on both sides of the ball, especially with Framber Valdez on the mound setting the tone. Their lineup just has more depth and power, and with a top-of-the-line rotation arm pitching, they should be able to keep the Pirates’ bats relatively quiet. The Pirates may scratch across a few runs and show flashes of brilliance—especially given their ability to swipe some bases—but the Astros feel like the safer bet to clinch this tight three-game series. What do you think—will Houston keep rolling, or can Pittsburgh pull off the upset at home?
