When we look back at the end of the season and analyze who did and did not get into the playoffs, we're going to be looking really closely at these games between teams like the 70-47 Pittsburgh Pirates and the 65-54 San Francisco Giants.
PITCHING MATCHUP
The Giants have a big question mark right now in their rotation. Mike Leake is still sitting on the DL even though he was supposed to be activated on Tuesday. Leake could pitch on Sunday, though he could also be out there on Saturday to give Chris Heston an extra day of rest. Or, if San Francisco just stays the course of its current rotation, Ryan Vogelsong will pitch.
With three options still available to start this game for the Giants, we'll instead take the opportunity to look at Francisco Liriano, who will very likely start for the Pirates in this game.
The Jolly Roger has flown nine consecutive times when Liriano has been on the mound, and he is 4-0 to show for his work in that span.
Though obviously this streak is going to end at some point, it's worth noting for live betting purposes that Liriano just keeps fighting. It isn't often that the Pirates are in really bad spots when the lefty leaves, so even though that 3.35 ERA has been bloated just a bit in recent starts, at least there's still an opportunity to come from behind and succeed.
ADVANCED STATS
Very quietly, the Giants have put together the best WAR amongst starting lineups in baseball. They are only striking out at an 18.4 percent clip, and their ISO of .143 as a team is flat out awesome, especially considering the fact that their home games are played in a huge park.
There definitely are some problems, though. Nori Aoki is still getting over a concussion which has kept him out for a few days and might cost him more this week. Joe Panik is still on the DL with a back problem. Angel Pagan and Hunter Pence are sidelined and on the DL, too.
However, in spite of all of this, these offensive numbers for the Giants remain just as impressive. You won't find an easy out in this lineup, knowing that there are nine men on this team batting at least .258 this year.
TALKING BULLPENS
We mentioned how the Pirates are never out of games. A big part of the reason for that? This bullpen is awesome.
On Tuesday night, Liriano allowed five runs in seven innings, but he was bailed out by his bullpen, which ultimately allowed just one earned run over eight frames to win a game in 15 innings.
The Pirates have a 1.40 ERA over the course of their last 16 games out of the bullpen, and it isn't just Mark Melancon who is doing the job at the ends of games.
Joe Blanton and Joakim Soria were phenomenal additions at the trading deadline, and both are going to play a huge role going forward for the Bucs.
Pittsburgh's bullpen has won 17 consecutive decisions since June 25, which is the longest streak for a bullpen in baseball since 1909.
The bottom line for live bettors? Don't screw around with this Pittsburgh bullpen, or you're probably going to get beaten.
The MLB odds for this game will be available first at BookMaker Sportsbook. Gamble on the game between every half inning with BookMaker's live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen in the next at-bat or how many runs will be scored in the next inning. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here, and start wagering today! First pitch for the game between the San Francisco Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates is scheduled for Sunday, August 24, 2015 at 8:08 p.m. ET at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, PA. The contest will be televised live on ESPN.
