Gameday 103: Pirates start three game set in Arizona against the Diamondbacks
Luis Ortiz pitching for the Pirates to open series
After winning four of six at home coming out of the All-Star break, the Pittsburgh Pirates head out on the road, starting with a weekend series against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
It’s a series that could have some serious wildcard implications, as both teams are in playoff contention.
Both teams are just outside the playoffs entering this weekend, with the Diamondbacks (one game) just ahead of the Pirates (1.5 games).
Luis Ortiz will make the start for the Pirates as he looks to continue his strong play since sliding back into the rotation.
First pitch is scheduled for 9:40 pm ET.
Pirates Lineup
DH - Andrew McCutchen
SS - Oneil Cruz
2B - Nick Gonzales
1B - Rowdy Tellez
RF - Joshua Palacios
3B - Ke’Bryan Hayes
LF - Jack Suwinski
C - Joey Bart
CF - Michael A. Taylor
Diamondbacks Lineup
RF - Corbin Carroll
2B - Ketel Marte
DH - Joc Pederson
1B - Christian Walker
LF - Lourdes Gurriel Jr.
C - Gabriel Moreno
3B - Eugenio Suarez
CF - Alek Thomas
SS - Geraldo Perdomo
Pitching Matchup
PIT - Luis Ortiz (5-2, 2.57 ERA, 73.2 IP, 21 BB, 59 K)
ARI - Zac Gallen (7-5, 3.64 ERA, 81.2 IP, 27 BB, 80 K)
Yesterday’s Feature
Since rejoining the organization, Yoyner Fajardo has been a spark plug at the top of the Altoona Curve lineup. Just how good has he been? I take a look here.
Today’s Feature
Injuries forced a promotion for Axiel Plaz, but his power kept him in Bradenton. My breakdown of the success the 18-year-old catcher has had in Single-A.
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This place is jumping for a Friday night game that hasn't even started yet. I was wondering if more than a handful would be here, based on past Friday night game thread experience. Don't know who to congratulate more, Anthony for this site or the Pirates for keeping fans interested this late in the season
There's McCutchen moving into tenth place on the Pirates all-time hit list, in a tie with the immortal Fred Clarke, who was good enough to make the HOF as a manager and player.
McCutchen ruined my favorite obscure stat. Pirates were the only team with all ten of their top ten hits leaders in the HOF. I guess we can pretend it's still good for one more hit, since McCutchen needed a lot more AB's than Clarke to get to 1,638, but even stretching that will only make it last one hit longer