Pirates vs A's Preview: Skenes' Shadow, Keller's Comeback Hope

The Pirates got hammered 11-2 yesterday. Oakland's bats exploded with five home runs lighting up the scoreboard. Pittsburgh's pitching couldn't find the strike zone when it mattered. Now the Pirates bring Mitch Keller to the mound on Wednesday. Keller is an All-Star who knows how to compete at this level. The Pirates are 36-37 and stuck in a losing stretch. They've won just two of their last ten games. Keller has to be sharp if Pittsburgh wants to grab a win and stop the bleeding.

The Athletics are feeling good after beating Pittsburgh big yesterday. Oakland is 36-36 and won their last game. They've won six of their last ten—that's real momentum. But the A's have injury trouble brewing. Star DH Brent Rooker is out with a knee bruise. Ace Luis Severino is sidelined with a shoulder strain for weeks. Denzel Clarke limped onto the injured list with a hamstring injury. Jack Perkins takes the mound for Oakland on Wednesday. The Athletics need to stay hot despite missing some impact players.

Both teams send solid arms to the mound Wednesday. Mitch Keller for Pittsburgh brings big-game experience as a former All-Star. He's been working to stabilize the Pirates' rotation alongside superstar Paul Skenes. Keller owns a 0-2 record this season with a 6.97 ERA. Jack Perkins takes the ball for Oakland as a young gun with something to prove. The Pirates need their ace to throw strikes and keep Oakland off the board. One strong outing could turn Pittsburgh's season around. Let's see if Keller can deliver when the Pirates need him most.