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High Stakes at PNC Park: Pirates' Keller vs Cardinals in a Must-See Matchup

As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to host the St. Louis Cardinals at PNC Park, all eyes are on Mitch Keller, the starting pitcher who has shown exceptional form leading into this anticipated matchup. Keller's recent performance, boasting an ERA of 0.0 across two games with a staggering 27 strikeouts per nine innings in one of those appearances, positions him as a pivotal figure for the Pirates.


Jul 22, 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

On the batting front, Ke'Bryan Hayes has been a consistent force for the Pirates, hitting .500 in one of the previous games and maintaining an impressive .333 average over the last three outings. His on-base plus slugging (OPS) stands out at .833, highlighting his significant contribution to the team's offensive efforts.


The Cardinals counter with their own set of top performers. Nolan Arenado has been instrumental in their lineup, delivering a .400 batting average and an OPS of 1.4 in his most recent game, showcasing his ability to change the game's dynamics with his bat.


Jul 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado (28) makes a catch for an out against Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter Andrew McCutchen (not pictured) during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Another Cardinal to watch is Brendan Donovan, who not only hit a home run but also maintained a .250 batting average and contributed significantly with an OPS of 1.25 in one of the past games. His performance reflects the depth of talent within the Cardinals' roster and their capability to challenge the Pirates' pitching staff.


The upcoming game is not just about individual brilliance but also strategic gameplay from both teams. With players like Ryan Helsley from the Cardinals showing promise with an ERA of 0.0 and striking out 18 per nine innings in his latest appearance, it's clear that pitching could very well decide the outcome of this contest.


Jul 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Dusty Blake (left) and starting pitcher Andre Pallante (middle) and catcher Pedro Pagés (43) make their way in from the bullpen to play the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Fans can expect a thrilling encounter filled with strategic plays and standout performances from both sides as they clash at PNC Park. The scheduled game on July 24th at 12:35 PM local time promises to be a spectacle for baseball enthusiasts. Viewers can catch all the action live on MLB Network, ensuring they don't miss a moment of this high-stakes matchup between two formidable teams vying for supremacy in Pittsburgh, USA.

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