Pirates' Andrew McCutchen Set to Challenge Diamondbacks at Chase Field

First Inning

As the Pirates prepare to face off against the Diamondbacks at Chase Field, all eyes will be on Andrew McCutchen, the standout right fielder for the Bucs. Over the past three games, McCutchen has demonstrated consistent performance at the plate. In their recent series against the Brewers, he posted a batting average of .667 in one game and .400 in another, showcasing his ability to get on base and contribute offensively. His on-base percentage (OBP) of .8 and slugging percentage (SLG) of 1.0 from one of these games indicate his potential to impact early innings with crucial hits.

The Pirates' starting pitcher Mitch Keller is also expected to play a significant role in setting the tone for this matchup. Keller's ERA over his last outing was an impressive 1.5, with a WHIP of 1.1667 and a strikeout rate (K/9) of 10.503. His ability to control the mound early will be pivotal in countering Diamondbacks' hitters like Ketel Marte, who has been hitting well with an OPS of 1.6 in one of his recent games.

Middle Innings

As we move into the middle innings, Pirates' Adam Frazier could be a key player to watch. Frazier's performance has been noteworthy; he recorded a batting average of .600 with an OPS of 1.4 in one game against Milwaukee, demonstrating his knack for driving in runs and maintaining pressure on opposing pitchers.

On the defensive side, Pirates' relievers like Ryan Borucki have shown potential despite mixed results. Borucki had a standout game where he pitched without allowing any earned runs or walks, boasting an ERA of 0 and WHIP of 1 over two innings pitched across different games.

For the Diamondbacks, Lourdes Gurriel Jr.'s presence cannot be underestimated during these crucial innings. Gurriel Jr., playing left field, has been consistent with his bat; he hit .500 with an OPS close to 1 in one game against St. Louis Cardinals recently.

Late Innings

In late innings scenarios where games are often decided, Bryan Reynolds’ contributions could prove decisive for Pittsburgh. Reynolds’ fielding percentage stands at a perfect 1 across all three games analyzed, indicating reliable defense that could thwart late-game rallies by Arizona.

Diamondbacks’ bullpen will likely rely on Kevin Ginkel who showed resilience despite challenges; Ginkel managed a K/9 rate of 13.5 even though his ERA was high due to limited appearances.

Overall team dynamics suggest that if Pirates can capitalize on their top performers like McCutchen and maintain solid pitching from starters such as Keller while leveraging their bullpen effectively - they stand a strong chance against Arizona’s lineup which includes formidable players like Marte and Gurriel Jr.

Fans can catch this exciting matchup between Pirates and Diamondbacks at Chase Field in Phoenix on May 27th at 9:40 PM ET broadcasted live on ARID network. Don't miss out on what promises to be an engaging contest filled with strategic plays and standout performances! Share this article with fellow baseball enthusiasts who won't want to miss this thrilling encounter!