Pirates look to extend hot streak against struggling Giants

SAN FRANCISCO (Interstat) — The Pittsburgh Pirates aim to build on their recent surge when they open a four-game series against the San Francisco Giants on Friday night at Oracle Park.

The Pirates (21-17) enter the matchup riding the momentum of a 4-2 win at Arizona on Thursday, taking two of three from the Diamondbacks. San Francisco (14-23) has lost 10 of its past 13 games after falling 5-1 to San Diego on Wednesday.

Right-hander Mitch Keller takes the ball for Pittsburgh, looking to continue a dominant stretch. The 30-year-old is 4-0 with a 2.79 ERA over his past five starts, including a win Thursday in which he allowed two earned runs over six innings with four strikeouts. He has worked at least six innings in three consecutive outings.

The Giants counter with right-hander Adrian Houser, who has struggled this season. Houser is 1-4 with a 6.55 ERA over his past five starts. He took the loss Wednesday despite allowing one earned run over six innings against San Diego, but was tagged for eight earned runs in four innings against Miami on April 24.

Pittsburgh’s offense showed life in the series at Arizona, plating nine runs in the finale behind second baseman Brandon Lowe, who went 3 for 5 with a home run and an RBI. The Pirates have won five of their past six games.

San Francisco has managed three or fewer runs in seven of its past nine contests. First baseman Rafael Devers homered in Wednesday’s loss.

The Interstat game simulator projects a 4-2 Pirates victory.

Following this series, Pittsburgh travels to face Colorado, while San Francisco heads to Los Angeles for a four-game set against the Dodgers.