MLB Game Preview: Milwaukee Brewers (24-26) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (17-33)

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Game Details

  • Date: May 22, 2025
  • Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Start Time: 6:40 PM ET
  • Season Series: First meeting of the season

Team Overview

  • Milwaukee Brewers (24-26, 9-16 Away)
    The Brewers have had an up-and-down season, avoiding sweeps but also failing to secure dominant series wins. They recently won two of three against the Orioles, showing resilience despite injuries in their pitching staff. Their offense has been inconsistent, ranking 26th in OPS (.657) and 13th in total runs (212), but their speed on the basepaths (65 steals, 2nd in MLB) has been a bright spot.

  • Pittsburgh Pirates (17-33, 11-14 Home)
    The Pirates have struggled mightily, going 5-14 in May and ranking last in MLB in runs scored (146) and OPS (.617). However, they snapped a four-game losing streak with back-to-back wins over the Reds, showing signs of life. Their pitching staff has been slightly better than Milwaukee’s, ranking 17th in ERA (3.97) compared to the Brewers’ 19th-ranked ERA (4.11).

Key Matchups

  • Starting Pitchers:
    • Pirates: Mike Burrows (RHP) – Making his season debut after being called up from Triple-A Indianapolis. He posted a 2.51 ERA in the minors this year.
    • Brewers: Carlos Rodriguez (RHP) – Expected to be recalled from Triple-A Nashville. He has a 1.99 ERA in the minors but struggled in the majors last season (7.30 ERA).
  • Top Hitters:
    • Brewers: Rhys Hoskins (.300/.402/.500, 7 HR), Jackson Chourio (.241/.260/.415, 7 HR), Brice Turang (.288/.363/.379).
    • Pirates: Oneil Cruz (.221/.350/.421, 8 HR), Bryan Reynolds (.203/.268/.323, 6 HR), Andrew McCutchen (.243/.344/.357).
  • Bullpen Battle:
  • The Brewers’ bullpen has struggled, ranking 23rd in reliever ERA (4.61).
  • The Pirates’ bullpen has been slightly better, led by closer Dennis Santana, but their offense has failed to capitalize.

X-Factors

  • Pirates’ Offensive Woes: Pittsburgh has failed to score more than four runs in 26 straight games, tying a historic MLB record.
  • Brewers’ Speed: Milwaukee’s aggressive baserunning could exploit Pittsburgh’s pitching struggles.
  • Rookie Pitchers: Both teams are relying on young arms, making this a potential wild-card matchup.

Game Odds

Milwaukee Brewers       – 120

Pittsburgh Pirates            9

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, May 21, 2025

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MLB Editor
MLB Editor
https://sportsgamingjournal.com/category/mlb/
Profile: A dedicated Major League Baseball analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the sport’s strategic, statistical, and developmental layers. This columnist delivers in‑depth coverage that blends advanced metrics, scouting insight, and historical context to illuminate the trends shaping today’s game. Background: With extensive experience following MLB at both the team and league levels, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on roster construction, player evaluation, and organizational philosophy. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to breaking down performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term competitive cycles. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and pitching‑matchup analysis Advanced statistical breakdowns and sabermetric insights Prospect evaluation, farm‑system trends, and player development Trade‑deadline movement, free‑agency analysis, and front‑office strategy Historical context and postseason features Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex data and tactical nuance into insights that resonate with both traditional fans and analytically minded readers. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the evolving landscape of Major League Baseball.