Opinion
3 min read

Will the Giants Outmaneuver the Pirates in Upcoming Oracle Park Duel?

As the San Francisco Giants prepare to host the Pittsburgh Pirates at Oracle Park, fans are buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an enthralling encounter. The Giants, coming off a recent victory against their long-time rivals, the Los Angeles Dodgers, on April 2nd with a score of 3-8, are looking to maintain their momentum.


Jul 16, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Osvaldo Bido (70) delivers a pitch against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

In that game against the Dodgers, despite accumulating eight hits and three runs without any errors, it was not enough to secure a win. The batting average stood at .242 and an on-base percentage (OBP) of 35 percent; however, they left a significant number of players on base (LOB), totaling 20. This suggests that while they can get batters on base, driving them home has been challenging.


The bullpen's performance was concerning as well; with an earned run average (ERA) of 15.00 over three innings pitched and a walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) of 2.0 – numbers that will need improvement if they hope to contain the Pirates' lineup.


Jul 16, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Tyler Rogers (71) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the eighth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

On March 31st against the San Diego Padres in PETCO Park – another division rival – things didn't fare much better for SF. They suffered from both offensive inefficiency and pitching struggles. A batting average of .161 and OBP at .350 highlighted difficulties in capitalizing on scoring opportunities despite drawing eight walks.


However, it's not all doom and gloom for SF fans. On March 30th versus SD again but this time at PETCO Park, SF showcased their potential by securing nine runs off nine hits without committing any errors - an impressive display indeed! Their bullpen held up considerably better too with an ERA reduced to six across nine innings pitched.


Jul 15, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  San Francisco Giants left fielder Blake Sabol (2) loses his helmet on a swing against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

These mixed results indicate that while there is clear room for improvement – particularly in terms of pitching stability and offensive consistency – there is also evidence of what this team can achieve when everything clicks into place.


Looking ahead to their next game scheduled for April 28th at Oracle Park starting at 1:05 PM PST; fans should expect SF's hitters to focus more keenly on converting baserunners into scores while pitchers aim for tighter control over proceedings from start through relief appearances.


Giants supporters can catch all action live as it unfolds either by attending Oracle Park or tuning into broadcasts available through local sports networks or streaming services where applicable. With strategic adjustments and sharpened focus during practice sessions leading up until game day - could this be where SF turns corner towards more consistent winning ways? Only time will tell!

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