Predicting The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Final Homestand Of The Season

Thursday September 18 Boston Red Sox 64-87 [Clay Buchholz 8-8 5.20 ERA] vs Pittsburgh Pirates 81-69 [Gerrit Cole 9-5 3.83 ERA] 7:05  p.m.

The Pirates winning streak comes to an end this game. I just have a feeling as though Buchholz will keep the Pirates offense at bay and the Red Sox bats will come alive. Just going with my hunch here, but I have a terrible feeling about this game as I imagine someone will get rest whether it’s Neil Walker, Josh Harrison or Russell Martin. I’m not looking forward to the 0-3 three strike outs that someone such as a Chris Stewart or Brent Morel will put up.

Final score Red Sox 7 Pirates 0
WP- Buchholz [9-8]
LP- Cole [9-6]
SV- Uehara [28]

Friday September 19 Milwaukee Brewers 78-75 [Yovani Gallardo 8-10 3.70] vs Pittsburgh Pirates 81-70 [Jeff Locke 8-4 3.55 ERA] 7:05 p.m.

Jun 27, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder

(25) reacts as pinch hitter

(12) crosses home plate with the game winning run against the New York Mets during the eleventh inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 3-2 in eleven innings. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Pirates will have the bats return after a day of inactivity against the Brewers. Gallardo has lost four out of his last five outings allowing 25 runs in the process. I think Gregory Polanco is the difference maker with a home run, a triple and a steal. Let it be known that this is the game the Pirates clinch their second consecutive season of finishing over .500 on the regular season.

Final score Pirates 6 Brewers 4
WP- Locke 9-4
LP- Gallardo 8-11
SV- Melancon [31]