The Marlins and Pirates play the first game of their three-game series on Friday, June 12.
Pittsburgh is a -149 moneyline favorite, while Miami is +123 on DraftKings Sportsbook. The game total is set at over/under 8.5 runs.
Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Marlins vs. Pirates game.
Marlins vs. Pirates prediction, preview
The Marlins ended May on a five-game losing streak that included a sweep against the Mets. It sent the franchise to 26-34 and further down in the NL East standings. June has been a resurgent month so far. The team is 8-1, sweeping the Nationals and Diamondbacks, and winning two of three against the Rays.
Now the team heads into Pennsylvania for back-to-back road series against the Pirates and Phillies. Up first is Pittsburgh, who is starting Braxton Ashcraft for the first game. The 26-year-old is coming off a six-run, nine-hit performance against the Braves, but his six-start stretch in May totaled a 1.99 ERA. His season ERA of 3.28 is impressive for a second-year pitcher.
Sandy Alcantara is starting for the Marlins on Friday. The veteran right-hander began the season with three terrific starts before struggling for a handful of outings. His ERA ballooned to 4.66 at the end of May, but his two starts in June have been much better. He’s pitched seven frames in both outings, allowing three earned runs against Washington and one earned against the Rays.
Alcantara typically pitches at least six innings, but if his start is cut short, Miami’s bullpen has the ninth best ERA. Meanwhile, the Pirates have the 20th best bullpen ERA.
Marlins vs. Pirates Pick, Best Bet
Although Alcantara has had his bumps this season, but he’s also shined in long outings. He normally reaches at least six innings, which puts less pressure on the team’s bullpen.
The Marlins’ offense has also been great in recent games, scoring at least seven runs in four of their last nine games. Even with Ashcraft’s impressive sophomore season, the Marlins should take advantage in the first game of this road trip.
