The record shows a surprising 24-21 mark. But reality is creeping up fast on the Pirates. Pittsburgh is 4-13 in its last 17 games. I don’t see the Pirates stopping that downward cycle in a pitching matchup of righties Merrill Kelly versus Roansy Contreras.
Kelly is a quality starter. Contreras is not. Kelly is in excellent form, too, going 3-0 with a 2.42 ERA in his last four starts. Contreras is 0-3 in his last three starts with a 5.71 ERA.
The Diamondbacks, winners of six of their last eight games, are 6-1 the past seven times facing a righty starter. By contrast, the Pirates are 2-11 the past 13 times going against a righty starter.
Arizona has dominated the Pirates in Pittsburgh winning 13 of the past 18 times there.
The Diamondbacks look much improved with a 26-20 record after finishing 14 games below .500 last year. They have a winning road mark. The price is low enough to back the Diamondbacks.
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