The Pittsburgh Pirates fell to 0-8 on their road trip after they were dismantled 12-4 by the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Saturday.
Twins center fielder Byron Buxton led the onslaught by going 5 for 5 and hitting for the cycle while Pirates starter Mike Burrows wasn’t able to escape the second inning.
The Pirates (38-58) mercifully have just one game left before the All-Star break. They’ll look to at least put an end to their eight-game losing streak against the Twins (47-48) on Sunday.
First pitch is set for 2:10 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 93.7 The Fan.
Weather
Sunshine and temperatures in the mid 80s. Winds SW at 11-12 mph.
RHP Mitch Keller (3-10, 3.58 ERA) Will Start For the Pirates
Keller pitched against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday and allowed three runs (two earned) in 6.2 innings.
The right-hander hasn’t been charged with more than two earned runs in any of his last five starts and has a 2.05 ERA during that stretch.
In 17 starts since allowing a season-high seven runs against the New York Yankees on April 4, Keller has a 3.22 ERA.
Keller has won both career starts he’s made against the Twins and has allowed two runs in 12 innings.
RHP Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4, 4.08 ERA) Will Start For the Twins
Woods Richardson threw five-shutout innings against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday and earned his third-straight win.
During his three-game winning streak, Woods Richardson has only allowed one run on six hits in 15 innings.
The right-hander has been stellar on the road this season. In seven starts at Target Field, he’s 4-2 with a 3.28 ERA.
Woods Richardson faced the Pirates once and took the loss despite allowing just one run in 6.1 innings.
Twins Hitters vs. Keller
Harrison Bader: 1 for 10, one walk, two strikeouts
Royce Lewis: 0 for 6, four strikeouts
Carlos Correa: 3 for 5, one walk, one strikeout
Will Castro: 0 for 5, one walk, one strikeout
Trevor Larnach: 2 for 3, one double
Byron Buxton: 1 for 3, one strikeout
Ty France: 0 for 3, one RBI
Ryan Jeffers: 0 for 3, one strikeout
Pirates Hitters vs. Woods Richardson
Andrew McCutchen: 2 for 3, one strikeout
Bryan Reynolds: 2 for 3
Nick Gonzales: 1 for 3, one strikeout
Tommy Pham: 1 for 3, one double, two walks
Oneil Cruz: 0 for 3
Ke’Bryan Hayes: 0 for 3, one strikeout
Tidbits
If the Pirates lose on Sunday, their all-time record will dip below .500 for the first time since 1903.
Jack Suwinski homered in Saturday’s loss. It was his first home run since last year on July 9 against the Milwaukee Brewers.
The Pirates’ eight-game losing streak is their longest of the season.
Links
Paul Skenes to Make History With Second All-Star Game Start
Pirates’ Konnor Griffin “All Good” Following Hit By Pitch
Demilio: 2025 MLB Draft Big Board; Plenty of Good Options for Pirates
Pirates’ Nightmare Road Trip Continues; Crushed By Twins For Eighth-Straight Loss
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