PITTSBURGH — The Cleveland Guardians are set to face off against the Pittsburgh Pirates tonight at 6:40 p.m. ET at PNC Park, kicking off a three-game series between the two clubs. This matchup promises to be an exciting one, with both teams looking to gain momentum as the season progresses.
The Guardians, currently sporting a record of 9-9, will send right-hander Luis Ortiz (1-2, 6.06 ERA) to the mound. Ortiz is coming off a performance where he struck out a career-high ten batters against the Kansas City Royals, showcasing his potential. However, he has struggled at times this season, and tonight will mark his first start against the Pirates, a team he has yet to face as a member of the Guardians. Ortiz will be looking to build on his recent success and improve his record.
On the other side, the Pirates will counter with Carmen Mlodzinski, also a right-hander, who has a record of 1-2 with a 6.23 ERA. Mlodzinski has allowed nine runs on 17 hits and six walks over 13 innings in his three starts this season. He will be eager to turn things around against a Guardians lineup that features several players capable of making an impact.
The Guardians’ starting lineup for tonight includes left fielder Steven Kwan, center fielder Lane Thomas, third baseman José Ramírez, designated hitter Kyle Manzardo, first baseman Carlos Santana, right fielder Nolan Jones, shortstop Gabriel Arias, catcher Bo Naylor, and second baseman Angel Martinez. Kwan has been the standout hitter for the Guardians, boasting a .310 batting average with 11 RBIs and three home runs this season.
For the Pirates, the starting lineup will feature center fielder Oneil Cruz, right fielder Bryan Reynolds, designated hitter Andrew McCutchen, first baseman Enmanuel Valdez, catcher Joey Bart, left fielder Jack Suwinski, third baseman Jared Triolo, second baseman Adam Frazier, and shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa. Cruz has been on fire lately, having homered in his last two games and leading the Pirates with four home runs and ten RBIs.
In their previous encounters, Ortiz has faced several Pirates batters, with Tommy Pham being the only one to have recorded hits against him, going 2-for-5. Other notable matchups include Isiah Kiner-Falefa (0-4), Adam Frazier (0-2), and Emmanuel Valdez (0-1), all of whom have yet to find success against Ortiz. Conversely, Mlodzinski has seen limited success against Guardians hitters, with Carlos Santana (1-3), José Ramírez (1-1), and Jhonkensy Noel (1-1, including a home run) being the only ones to have recorded hits against him.
As the Guardians look to gain ground in the competitive American League Central, this series against the Pirates could be crucial. The Pirates, with a record of 8-12, are hoping to find their footing as well, especially after a mixed performance in their last ten games.
Tonight's game will be broadcast on KDKA AM/FM and Sportsnet-PIT, with streaming options available on Guardians.TV (subscription required) for in-market viewers and MLB.TV for those outside the market. Radio coverage will also be provided on 100.7 FM WMMS and AM 1100 WTAM.
Fans can expect a thrilling matchup as both teams vie for a much-needed victory. With the Guardians looking to capitalize on their recent hitting prowess and the Pirates aiming to improve their pitching consistency, this game is sure to keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
As the action unfolds, all eyes will be on Ortiz and Mlodzinski as they take the mound, and on the respective lineups as they aim to make their mark in this early-season showdown.
The Guardians have shown flashes of brilliance this season, and with key players like Kwan and Ramírez stepping up, they could very well take the series against the Pirates. Meanwhile, the Pirates will look to Cruz and Reynolds to lead their charge as they attempt to turn their season around.
With both teams eager to prove their worth, fans can anticipate a high-energy game filled with exciting plays and perhaps even a few surprises. The stage is set, and it's time for baseball to take center stage at PNC Park.
