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Diamondbacks Seek to Halt Skid Against Struggling Pirates

Updated: May 27

The Arizona Diamondbacks return to Chase Field on Memorial Day šŸŸļø looking to end a five-game slide as they host the Pittsburgh Pirates, who are battling their own offensive woes. Both teams are searching for traction, but for very different reasons.



šŸ“… Game Info

  • Date:Ā Monday, May 26, 2025

  • Time:Ā 8:10 PM ET

  • Location:Ā Chase Field, Phoenix, AZ


šŸ“Š Team Performance Metrics

Arizona Diamondbacks (26–27)

  • Runs per game: 5.1 (5th in MLB)

  • OPS (last 14 days): .823 (2nd)

  • Slugging: .447 (4th)

  • Doubles: 107 (1st)

  • Bullpen ERA: 5.12 (28th)


Pittsburgh Pirates (19–35)

  • Runs per game: 3.0 (30th)

  • OPS (last 14 days): .659 (24th)

  • Doubles: 62 (30th)

  • Team ERA: 4.38 (20th)



šŸ”‘ Key Player Trends

Diamondbacks

  • Corbin CarrollĀ continues to lead with 15 home runs and 34 RBIs, holding a .265 average.

  • Ketel MarteĀ is maintaining a steady .267 average and contributes with consistent OBP.

  • Josh NaylorĀ is batting .297 with 4 homers and 23 RBIs, giving Arizona lineup stability.


Pirates

  • Oneil CruzĀ remains their power threat with 11 homers and 23 RBIs but hits just .236.

  • Andrew HeaneyĀ enters with a 3-3 record and 2.91 ERA across 55.2 innings.


🧠 Tactical Matchup Analysis

Starting Pitchers

  • Pirates:Ā Andrew Heaney (LHP) – 3-3, 2.91 ERA, 1.13 WHIP

  • D-Backs:Ā Ryne Nelson (RHP) – 1-1, 4.60 ERA, 1.15 WHIP


Heaney has been sharp lately, posting a 2.25 ERA over his last three starts. He’ll need to neutralize a Diamondbacks lineup that ranks among MLB’s best against lefties and rarely strikes out (16.2% K rate vs LHP—the lowest in baseball).


Nelson, meanwhile, is still ramping up in his third start of the season and faces a Pirates offense that, while anemic, has shown modest recent improvement.


Offensive/Defensive DynamicsArizona’s top-five offense is powered by extra-base hits, particularly doubles. Their ability to apply pressure early is clear—but bullpen volatility remains a liability. The Pirates' strength lies in their rotation, but the lack of run support and weak situational hitting continues to hamper their potential.


šŸ“ˆ Home/Away & Historical Trends

  • D-Backs at Home:Ā 12–13

  • Pirates on the Road:Ā 8–18

  • Last 10 Meetings:Ā Arizona leads 7–3

  • Over/Under (Last 5):Ā Over is 4–1


🧩 Final Analytical Summary

Arizona comes in with a clear offensive edge—ranking near the top of MLB in most slugging and contact metrics. If they can jump on Heaney early, the game shifts firmly in their favor, especially given how poorly Pittsburgh performs when trailing.


That said, the Diamondbacks' unreliable bullpen opens the door for a late-inning swing if Pittsburgh can keep it close. Heaney has been their most stable arm, and if he pitches into the late innings, it could suppress Arizona's momentum.


Overall, Arizona holds the advantage in firepower, recent hitting trends, and matchup fit—but bullpen concerns make this anything but a lock. Expect a tight contest if Pittsburgh’s pitching holds, but Arizona has more paths to a win.

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