Gameday 147: Pirates begin weekend series against Kansas City Royals

Luis Ortiz kicks series off for the Pirates

Photo Credit: WTM

After sweeping the Miami Marlins this week, the Pirates enter this series against the Royals, having won five of seven games, including four in a row.

Kansas City holds the second Wild Card spot with an 80-67 record. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is amidst a potential MVP season, as he is two stolen bases short of a 30/30 year. His next RBI will give him 100 on the year, and he’s already scored 120 runs.

Luis Ortiz will get the start for the Pirates. He was knocked around a bit in his last start, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and two walks in 5.2 innings. He will look to pick up his seventh win of the season.

First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 pm ET.

Pirates Lineup

SS - Isiah Kiner-Falefa

LF - Bryan Reynolds

CF - Oneil Cruz

DH - Andrew McCutchen

C - Joey Bart

1B - Rowdy Tellez

2B - Nick Gonzales

RF - Bryan De La Cruz

3B - Jared Triolo

Royals Lineup

LF - Tommy Pham

SS - Bobby Witt Jr.

C - Salvador Perez

2B - Michael Massey

RF - Hunter Renfroe

DH - Robbie Grossman

3B - Adam Frazier

1B - Yuli Gurriel

CF - Kyle Isbel

Pitching Matchup

PIT - Luis Ortiz (6-5, 3.26 ERA, 118.2 IP, 37 BB, 90 K)

KC - Alec Marsh (7-8, 4.66 ERA, 116. IP, 34 BB, 105 K)

Yesterday’s Feature

Billy Cook takes a well-traveled path to Pirates

Today’s Feature

Wilber Dotel fine-tuning stuff amidst step forward in 2024

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