Pittsburgh Pirates Aim to Upset Braves in Home Clash on July 7

Pittsburgh Pirates enter the July 7 home game against the Atlanta Braves riding a two‑game winning streak, sitting 9th in the National League with a 46-45 record. After a 5-11 victory over Washington on July 5, the club hopes to capitalize on its recent surge at PNC Park.

Can the Pirates pull off the upset?

The Pirates will send right‑hander Paul Skenes to the mound, while the Braves counter with left‑hander Bryce Elder. Skenes has shown durability this season, but his ERA of 4.48 suggests room for improvement. Elder’s 4.41 FIP indicates he can be hittable, giving Pittsburgh a chance to exploit any mistakes.

What do the stats say about Pittsburgh’s offense?

Pittsburgh’s lineup boasts a .340 on‑base percentage and a .262 batting average, ranking near the league’s middle. The team has logged 831 hits, 114 homers and 455 RBIs, translating to 5.22 runs per game – the third‑best average in the NL. Their slugging .422 and 146 doubles underline a balanced attack that can pressure any pitcher.

How does Atlanta’s pitching compare?

Atlanta’s staff holds a collective ERA of 3.53, fourth in the majors, and a WHIP of 1.22. The Braves have surrendered 96 home runs and 335 runs overall, but their bullpen has recorded 58 holds and 26 saves, showing depth in late‑inning situations. Their strikeout‑to‑walk ratio of 2.58 hints at solid control, which could challenge Pittsburgh’s hitters.

What does this mean for the Pirates’ next steps?

If Pittsburgh can string together hits against Elder’s mix, they could tilt the game in their favor and improve their standing. A win would push them to .500 and keep the momentum heading into the next series. Conversely, a loss would drop them back into the lower tier of the NL, making the upcoming schedule even tougher.

Who are the key players to watch?

Keep an eye on outfielder Bryan Reynolds, whose bat drives much of the Pirates’ slugging power, and shortstop Kevin Newman, who contributes both offensively and defensively. For Atlanta, first‑baseman Austin Riley and reliever A.J. Minter could be decisive in the later innings.

The game kicks off at 7:05 p.m. on ESPN’s SportsNet Pittsburgh, and the odds list Atlanta as a -182 favorite while Pittsburgh sits at +150. With both teams fielding strong arms and potent bats, the matchup promises fireworks at PNC Park.