8-2-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X
Didn’t we JUST do this?
Alright, run it back!
Back in Pittsburgh to welcome the SCORCHING Diamondbacks, the Pirates will get a rematch with Brandon Pfaadt – who came out victorious despite allowing 5 runs off 7 hits through 6 innings in the game last Saturday.
Pfaadt worked mostly fastball/sweeper pitch mix in that matchup, with his 4-seam/sinker netting just 3 whiffs in 21 swings compared to 6 in 13 against the sweeper.
He saw a spike in his velocity with his fastballs sitting above 94 and his sweeper at 85.1, which had some stark contact rates.
The in-zone contact rate on the sweeper was 100% but outside of it was 0% so hitters will want to seek some elevated sweepers before they drop or hang on the heat for success against Pfaadt again.
While he’s been VERY GOOD both at home (3.52 ERA in 61.1 innings) and during the day (2.50 ERA, 50.1 innings), he’s been the opposite away from Chase Field (4.29 ERA in 65 innings) and at night (4.86 ERA through 76 innings).
It’s a battle of attrition with Pfaadt as he has become much more hittable the 2nd and 3rd time through the order, spiking his ERA considerably over the first time through.
Bucs will look to wear him down with long, patient at-bats early but stay on heat and attack when opportunity arises. Get an early series lead and get a game back in this playoff race.
Let’s Go Bucs!
Steel City Pirates 