Gameday 106: Paul Skenes on the mound to face the Houston Astros

Skenes faces Astros for first time in

Photo Credit: Ryan Palencer

The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided getting swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday, which also kept them from falling under .500.

They now head to Houston for a three-game series against the Houston Astros. Paul Skenes will make his second start after the All-Star break and is also coming off his first loss at the major league level.

After losing two of three to the Diamondbacks, they enter this series two games out of a Wild Card spot.

The Houston Astros currently lead the AL West with a 55-50 record. Jake Bloss will make his fourth major league appearance and first-ever start.

First pitch is scheduled for 8:10 pm ET.

Pirates Lineup

RF - Joshua Palacios

LF - Bryan Reynolds

SS - Oneil Cruz

1B - Rowdy Tellez

DH - Joey Bart

3B - Ke’Bryan Hayes

CF - Ji Hwan Bae

2B - Jared Triolo

C - Yasmani Grandal

Astros Lineup

2B - Jose Altuve

3B - Alex Bregman

DH - Yordan Alvarez

1B - Yainer Diaz

SS - Jeremy Pena

1B - Jon Singleton

CF - Jake Meyers

C - Victor Caratini

RF - Trey Cabbage

Pitching Matchup

PIT - Paul Skenes (6-1, 1.93 ERA, 74.2 IP, 13 BB, 97 K)

HOU - Jake Bloss (0-1, 6.94 ERA, 11.2 IP, 3 BB, 11 K)

Yesterday’s Feature

Ryan Palencer looks at Matt Gorski and his data-driven approach to preparation.

Matt Gorski takes data approach to preparation

Today’s Feature

This week, 10 Observations examines Charles McAdoo, Carlos Castillo, and other players in the Pirates’ organization.

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