Pirates vs Giants Preview: Skenes vs Webb Showdown

The Pittsburgh Pirates are rolling into San Francisco with momentum on their side. Their secret weapon? Star pitcher Paul Skenes, who dominates every time he takes the mound. Backed by veteran Mitch Keller, the Pirates' pitching staff gives them a real shot at victory. However, the Pirates will face challenges without some key players. Will Robertson and Jake Mangum are both sidelined with injuries, which means Pittsburgh's lineup needs to step up offensively. Despite these setbacks, the Pirates' strong pitching foundation should keep them competitive throughout the game.

The San Francisco Giants are counting on their hitting stars to create runs. Rafael Devers brings serious power to the lineup, driving in runs with his strong bat. Willy Adames, another power hitter at shortstop, also delivers big moments for San Francisco. Last season, Adames smashed about 30 home runs and drove in 87 runs. Meanwhile, Devers knocked 35 home runs across his time in Boston and San Francisco. The Giants need these two offensive leaders firing on all cylinders to compete in this matchup against Pittsburgh's elite pitching staff.

Oneil Cruz stands out as one of baseball's most physically unique players at 6-foot-7, combining rare size with incredible athleticism. This powerful shortstop can hit home runs while also stealing bases, a rare skill set. Cruz has produced multiple 20-home-run seasons and ranks among league leaders in stolen bases. His versatility allows him to play shortstop or outfield, making him valuable in different situations. The Pirates' lineup gets a huge boost from his power-and-speed combination. When Cruz steps up to bat, Giants' pitchers face a genuinely tough matchup against his exceptional talent and athleticism.