Players To Watch
3 min read

Pirates vs Cardinals: Spotlight on Keller's Stellar Performance Ahead of July 4th Clash

As the Pittsburgh Pirates gear up to host the St. Louis Cardinals this Independence Day, all eyes are on Mitch Keller, whose recent performances have sparked excitement among fans and analysts alike. The upcoming game, scheduled for July 4th at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, promises a thrilling encounter between these two teams.


Jul 2, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Gibson (44) pitches against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Keller, the Pirates' starting pitcher, has shown remarkable improvement in his recent outings. Despite a challenging game where he posted an ERA of 9.0 and a WHIP of 1.8, his resilience and ability to strike out nine batters per nine innings have kept hopes alive. His performance is crucial for the Pirates as they face a formidable Cardinals lineup.


On the other side, the Cardinals boast their own set of standout players. Nolan Gorman has been particularly impressive with his .500 batting average and a home run that brought in four RBIs in one of the past games, showcasing his power-hitting capabilities. Meanwhile, Masyn Winn has consistently performed well, maintaining a .400 batting average and demonstrating his versatility both at-bat and in the field.


Jul 2, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz (15) forces St. Louis Cardinals second baseman Nolan Gorman (16) out second base during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

For the Pirates, another player to watch is Oneil Cruz. In one game, Cruz achieved an astonishing .667 batting average with an OPS of 2.417, highlighting his potential to change the course of any game with his offensive prowess. His performance will be pivotal in providing Keller and the rest of the pitching staff with enough run support against a strong Cardinals team.


Ryan Helsley from the Cardinals is another key player whose contributions could significantly impact the game's outcome. With an ERA of 0.0 and striking out eighteen batters per nine innings in one appearance, Helsley's arm could pose challenges for Pirates hitters looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage.


Jul 2, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Mitch Keller (23) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

As we approach this highly anticipated matchup between the Pittsburgh Pirates and St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park on July 4th at 12:35 PM ET, fans can catch all the action live on BSMW network. With top performers like Keller for the Pirates and Gorman for the Cardinals ready to showcase their skills, this game is set to be a highlight of Independence Day sports action.

Rate the article

Related stories

Pirates and Yankees Set for Epic Showdown: Isiah Kiner-Falefa's Impact in Focus
Players To Watch

Pirates and Yankees Set for Epic Showdown: Isiah Kiner-Falefa's Impact in Focus

3 min read
Pirates and Yankees Face Off: Spotlight on Kiner-Falefa's Stellar Performance
Players To Watch

Pirates and Yankees Face Off: Spotlight on Kiner-Falefa's Stellar Performance

4 min read
Pirates' Kiner-Falefa Shines as They Gear Up for Yankees Showdown
Players To Watch

Pirates' Kiner-Falefa Shines as They Gear Up for Yankees Showdown

3 min read