the Pirates look to even the series on Sunday after dropping Saturday's matchup 3-2. Nick Kingham will toe the rubber for Pittsburgh who has gone the other way a bit after getting off to a hot start in his rookie campaign. Kingham has posted a 5.29 era over his last 17 IP where he has allowed 19 hits on 3 HRs, 16 Ks and 4 BBs. Looking deeper into Kingham's LS against the Cubs at home, he posted a 25% soft contact% (season low) and a 30% hard contact% (SA 36%). With a jump in velocity in his four pitches, including a SLv jump from 83.9 mph to 84.8 mph, going to play Kingham in this spot. Kingham has made just one day start on the season where he allowed 0 runs through 7 IP on 1 H, 9 Ks and 0 BBs...that start came against the Cardinals....the only time the Red Birds have seen Nicky K. The Cardinals come into Sunday's affair after posting a .238 BA/.299 OBP over their last seven games where they averaged 4.3 RPG (SA 4.3 RPG). The Cards will entrust Michael Wacha to seal a series win after posting a 1.86 era over his last 19 IP where he allowed 11 hits on 17 Ks, 6 BBs and 1 HR. Looking into Wacha's LS against the Brewers, he posted a 33% LD% with a 36% hard contact% and a 0% soft contact%. With three starts in a row of 100 pitches+, this could be a letdown spot for Wacha who sees his era rise from 2.31 at night to 3.86 during the day where he has allowed 3 HRs through 16 IP. This Pirates lineup has a combined 166 ABs off of Wacha to match a .253 BA/.311 OBP and 4 HRs. Going to fade the public in this one with the Cardinals getting 73% of the action and a line drop from -145 to -128.
Play on the Pirates at +115
Play on the Pirates at +115
