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There are interesting games to be played on Saturday in MLB. While it may still be early, it is that time of the year when teams at least know what to expect this season. Some have solidified themselves as contenders; others are still undecided if they need to give up and start working for the future.
Saturday will have key games, and we have jotted down the predictions for each of them.
Pirates vs. Phillies
It will be a pitching duel between Philadelphia Phillies ace Ranger Suarez (4-0, 2.72 ERA) and Pittsburgh Pirates starter Andrew Heaney (3-4, 3.39).
The Phillies lost the first game of the series 5-4, adding to their recent woes, which have seen them lose seven of their last 10 games. Meanwhile, the Pirates saw their offense turn up well on Friday, but that's about their ceiling.
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Suarez will turn out to be good and the Phillies will bounce back with a win.
Prediction: Phillies 5, Pirates 1
Diamondbacks vs. Reds
The Diamondbacks and the Reds will resume their Friday game, which was tied 3-3 after six innings due to rain. After that, the two will meet for their Saturday fixture, which will see Ryne Nelson of Arizona and Nick Martinez of Cincinnati on the mound.
Great American Ballpark is a hitter-friendly park and a flurry of home runs will be accounted for in a close game going Arizona's way.
Prediction: Diamondbacks 7, Reds 6
Athletics vs. Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles and the Athletics are both struggling this season. While the Orioles gained some momentum by going 7-3 in the last 10 games, the Athletics, who showed early promise, continue to dig a hole for themselves by going 2-8 in that same span.
Two veteran aces will take the hill. Charlie Morton will represent the Orioles while Luis Severino takes the mound for the Athletics. Baltimore, with momentum in their offense, will take a win here.
Prediction: Orioles 7, Athletics 3
Mets vs. Rockies
It's the most lopsided matchup of the day, covering the spectrum of the National League. While the Mets possess a league-best 40-24 record, the lowly Rockies are 12-51.
Even the pitching matchup favors the Mets to take the win here. They will have the services of right-hander Clay Holmes, who has gone 6-3 with a 3.07 ERA this season. On the other hand, the Rockies will send lefty Carson Palmquist (0-4, 8.50 ERA) to the hill.
Soto is firing on all cylinders, and with the company of Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor, the Mets should easily overwhelm the Rockies.
Prediction: Mets 9, Rockies 2
Here are the predictions for other interesting matchups on the slate:
Giants vs. Braves
The Giants will continue their three-game winning streak by taking a close 4-3 win over the Braves.
Yankees vs. Red Sox
The Yankees overwhelmed the Red Sox on Friday, and the men in red will take their revenge by registering a 4-3 win.
Brewers vs. Padres
The Brewers are looking to bounce back after a 2-0 loss to the Padres on Friday night. With Jose Quintana on the mound, they should have no problem taking a 5-1 win here.
Angels vs. Mariners
The Angels secured a 5-4 victory over the Mariners on Friday. They'll win again Saturday with a 6-5 victory.
