Pirates vs. Marlins Betting Preview: Pittsburgh Looks to Rebound After Opening Day Loss

Pittsburgh Pirates vs. Miami Marlins
Date: Friday, March 28th, 7:10 ET
Location: loanDepot Park
TV: SN PT
Money Line: Pirates -145/Marlins +123
Total Line: 7.5

Betting Preview

Here’s our betting preview for the upcoming MLB clash between the Miami Marlins and the Pirates on Friday, March 28th at loanDepot Park. We provide you with a comprehensive analysis, odds, and predictions to help with your handicapping decision or tail our expert based on the projected lineups and listed starting pitchers.

Betting Odds

The Marlins and Pirates are set to face off in an NL matchup at 7:10 PM ET on Friday. This one is being played at loanDepot Park in Miami, and the Marlins are 1-0 this season, while the Pirates are 0-1.

Pittsburgh is currently favored on the money line, and the over/under line is at 7.5 runs. SN PT is televising Friday’s game, and Mitch Keller is starting for the Pirates, while the Marlins are going with Connor Gillispie.

Pirates vs. Marlins Projected Lineup

Straight Up/Over-Under/ Runline Record

Pittsburgh Pirates: 0-1 SU / OU 1-0 / Runline 0-1
Miami Marlins: 1-0 SU / OU 1-0 / Runline 1-0

It was a low-scoring game in the most recent game of this Marlins vs. Pirates series. Miami went into the matchup as +127 underdogs and squeaked out a 5-4 win. The Marlins had just two more hits than the Pirates and struck out 11 times, but still picked up a win.

Pittsburgh wasted a good outing from Paul Skenes, as he gave up just two earned runs in 5 1/3 innings of work. David Bednar took the loss. Sandy Alcantara only went 4 2/3 innings for the Marlins but gave up just two hits and two earned runs.

Nick Gonzales hit the game’s only home run while going 1/3 with two RBIs, but it came in a losing effort. Bryan Reynolds also had a two-RBI game at the plate for the Pirates.

Pitching Matchup

Mitch Keller is coming off a season in which he made 31 starts and finished with a record of 11-12. His ERA for the season was 4.25, and he had a WHIP of 1.30. Keller’s batting average allowed was .264, while his on-base percentage allowed was .320. He finished the season with one complete game and 15 quality starts. Keller’s strikeouts per nine innings were 8.39, and his walks per nine innings were 2.53.

Right-hander Connor Gillispie will be making his first start of the season for the Marlins against the Pirates. In three appearances last season, Gillispie went 0-0 with an ERA of 2.25 and a WHIP of 1.12. Opposing batters hit .154 off Gillispie, and his FIP for the season was 3.04. In terms of quality starts, Gillispie did not record any, and he averaged 1.7 walks per game. His strikeouts per nine innings was 9.0, while his walks per nine was 5.62. Overall, Gillispie allowed no home runs and had a strikeout-to-walk ratio of 1.6.

Pirates vs. Marlins Offense Outlook

Oneil Cruz is our top projected hitter in terms of total hits today. The Pirates’ infielder has been swinging a hot bat, and we expect him to continue his success at the plate in today’s game.

Xavier Edwards is our top projected player in terms of total hits today. The Marlins’ infielder has been swinging a hot bat lately, and we expect him to continue that trend in today’s matchup. Look for Edwards to make an impact at the plate and be a key contributor for the Marlins in today’s game.

Free Pirates vs. Marlins MLB Pick

The Marlins took game one of this opening series, but I think Mitch Keller gets the Pirates back on track vs the Marlins tonight. Look for the Pirates’ offense to swing the bats well off Connor Gillispie. I like Pittsburgh at -145.