Pirates at Cardinals 9/18/20 - Game 2- MLB Picks & Predictions

The Pittsburgh Pirates play the St Louis Cardinals on Friday in the second game of a doubleheader between the two National League Central rivals. Pittsburgh dropped to 14-34 following its 1-0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday. The Pirates are in last place and the NL Central 15 games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs and have lost each of the last eight. The Pirates have scored the fewest runs in baseball with just 173.

Second baseman Erik Gonzalez is batting .255 to lead Pittsburgh and has a team-high 19 RBIs. Third baseman Colin Moran is leading in home runs with eight and on-base percentage at .335. First baseman Josh Bell is the leader in hits with 40. On Friday, Pittsburgh will send Chad Kuhl to the mound.The right-hander is 1-2 with an ERA of 5.50, 33 Ks and 23 BBs.

St Louis is 22-23 following its 6-0 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. St Louis lost three of its five games versus the Brewers in a long five-game series. The Cardinals are tied for second in the National League Central but are 5 ½  games behind the first-place Chicago Cubs. St Louis has lost six of its last nine.

First baseman Paul Goldschmidt is batting .310 to lead St Louis and has team highs in hits with 45 and on-base percentage at .439. Third baseman Brad Miller is leading the Cardinals in home runs with seven and RBIs with 24. St Louis has yet to announce its starting pitcher for the second game of their doubleheader on Friday against Pittsburgh.