Tim Benz: Pirates just looking for something positive in Arizona before All-Star break

These days, just about the only thing that the Pirates may be hitting at the right time is the All-Star break. After losing three of four in Los Angeles, manager Derek Shelton’s team is 6-17 in its last 23 games. So the Buccos are limping into their final series before the All-Star Game ready for some much-needed time away from the game.

That said, they are at least catching a very challenging opponent at what appears to be a good time.

The Pirates head into Arizona to face a first-place Diamondbacks team for three games. But the National League West leaders are struggling, having lost four in a row and six of their past eight. Their lead over L.A. in the division is down to a half game.

Manager Torey Lovullo’s team was just swept at home by the Mets, dropping the finale of that series 9-0 on Thursday. Facing Carlos Carrasco and his 5.16 ERA, the Diamondbacks managed just four hits for the game. Meanwhile, Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor went 5 for 5 with a home run and two triples.

TRIPLES MAKES IT SAFE. TRIPLES IS BEST. @Lindor12BC pic.twitter.com/zaoRaphJO9

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 7, 2023

Players in MLB history to record the following in a single game:

- 2+ 3B
- 1+ HR
- 5-for-5 or Better
- 3+ Runs

Francisco Lindor - Tonight
Willie Mays - 5/13/1958

That’s it.

Data via OptaSTATS pic.twitter.com/U8AQJmEe9O

— Greg Harvey (@BetweenTheNums) July 7, 2023

Things got a little testy during that blowout as the benches cleared at one point.

The benches and bullpens clear in Arizona after Francisco Álvarez is hit by a pitch pic.twitter.com/Kmyb6U3z10

— SNY (@SNYtv) July 7, 2023

The Diamondbacks have scored just two runs in their past 24 innings. Despite their recent struggles, though, Arizona is fourth in the National League in team batting average (tied with Philadelphia at .259), runs (437) and OPS (.756). Meanwhile the Pirates are either 13th or 14th in the NL in all of those categories.

On the mound, Arizona and Pittsburgh have the same team ERA at 4.42 and nearly the same team opponent batting average. The Pirates are at .254. Arizona stands at .251, good for 11th and 10th in the league respectively.

Two All-Stars will throw in this series. Zac Gallen gets the start for the Diamondbacks Friday night. He is 10-3 with a 3.15 ERA and 120 strikeouts. Rich Hill (7-8, 4.50) opposes for the Pirates.

On Saturday, Bucs All-Star Mitch Keller (9-4, 3.52, 125 strikeouts) is on the mound. No starter has been announced for Arizona yet. The Pirates haven’t declared a starter for Sunday against Zach Davies (1-4, 6.52).

Arizona took two of three in May at PNC Park, dropping the opener 13-3 and winning the next two games 4-3 and 8-3.

After the break, the Pirates host another NL West team. The third-place San Francisco Giants come to PNC Park. At 47-40, they are currently half a game out of a wild-card slot. Then they welcome the Cleveland Guardians for an interleague series before heading back out west to play the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres.

By the way, the All-Star Game is in Seattle. The city has hosted two of the most memorable mid-summer classics ever played. One of them was in 2001 at Safeco Field. It featured Cal Ripken Jr.’s famous home run during his last All-Star appearance. The American League won the game 4-1 and Ripken Jr. was the MVP.

The other was in the old Kingdome in 1979, and Pirates great Dave Parker was the MVP because of the two great throws he made from right field.

Parker also singled and had an RBI. The NL won 7-6.