9-6-24 – By Michael Castrignano – @412DoublePlay on X
Looking to build off momentum from a series-opening win last night, the Pirates will face southpaw DJ Herz tonight, who enters with a 2-7 record and 4.09 ERA through 70.1 MLB innings this season. But that is a bit deceiving as he’s improved over time and underlying numbers look pretty good.
Herz is coming off a strong month where he posted a 3.10 ERA in 6 appearances, striking out 35 in 29 innings with 14 walks and only one home run allowed. Can he continue that run of success against the Pirates?
Herz has an arsenal of a low-90s 4-seam, low-80s changeup and a mid-80s slider – with an infrequently used curve which he struggles to locate consistently.
The fastball has been his main strikeout pitch with 51 of his punch-outs coming against the heater but each of his pitches have a 25%+ whiff rate.
He’s a tricky lefty who doesn’t allow a ton of hard contact but also can have some bouts of wildness. Patience at the plate and staying on specific pitches will be key for success. Let him get behind in counts and force him to make mistakes. Minimize the attack zone and find ways to elevate more of his stuff.
Let’s Go Bucs!
Steel City Pirates 