Players To Watch
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Pitchers' Duel in Clearwater: Pirates' Keller vs Phillies' Suárez

As the Pirates prepare to face off against the Phillies at BayCare Ballpark, all eyes are on the pitchers who have shown remarkable performances in their recent outings. With both teams gearing up for this encounter, fans are eagerly anticipating a showdown that could very well be dominated by the men on the mound.


Jul 21, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber (12) drives in a run with a fielders choice groundout and a Pittsburgh Pirates error during the seventh inning at PNC Park.  The Phillies won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Top Performers from the Pirates


Mitch Keller, a starting pitcher for the Pirates, has emerged as a key player to watch in the upcoming game. In his last appearance, Keller showcased an impressive performance with an ERA of 0.0 and a WHIP of 1.5, striking out 4.5 batters per nine innings pitched. His ability to maintain control and limit opponents' scoring chances will be crucial for the Pirates.


Another Pirate who has caught attention is Ji Hwan Bae, an outfielder known for his agility and batting skills. Bae hit an impressive .500 in one of his recent games, demonstrating not only his ability to get on base but also to drive in runs when it matters most.


Jul 21, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Nick Castellanos (8) circles the bases on a solo home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Phillies won 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Standout Players from the Phillies


On the Phillies side, Ranger Suárez stands out as their top performer heading into this game. Suárez's recent outing was nothing short of stellar, boasting an ERA of 0.0 and managing to keep his WHIP at 2.0769 while striking out over 16 batters per nine innings pitched. His performance will be pivotal in keeping the Pirates' hitters at bay.


Kyle Schwarber, although primarily known for his power-hitting capabilities, showed versatility in getting on base with an OBP of .333 in one of his last appearances. While he may not have converted those opportunities into runs or RBIs recently, his presence at bat instills a level of caution in any pitcher he faces.


Jul 20, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cristopher Sanchez (61) delivers against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Predictions and Insights


Given Keller's recent form and Suárez's ability to strike out batters with precision, fans can expect a tightly contested game where pitchers could very well dictate the pace and outcome. Both teams have players capable of changing the game's complexion with a single swing or pitch; however, it will likely come down to which team can capitalize on their opportunities.


For fans looking forward to catching this exciting matchup between the Pirates and Phillies, mark your calendars for February 24th at 1:05 PM EST. The game will take place at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, FL, and will be broadcasted on NBCS-PH+. This is a game you won't want to miss as it promises thrilling performances from both teams' top players.


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