Gameday 77: Paul Skenes on the mound as the Pirates try to clinch series against Rays

Paul Skenes looks for win number 5 in majors

Photo Credit: WTM

Jared Jones pitched seven solid innings while Oneil Cruz went deep for the Pirates as they evened up their series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Saturday.

Five Pirates picked up hits, including the first four of the lineup. Jones struck out eight across his seven frames, earning his fifth win of the season.

Now Paul Skenes will take the mound with a chance for the Pirates to clinch their fifth series win in the last six they’ve played. The only series they’ve lost in that span was at St. Louis.

Aaron Civale will take the mound for the Rays, with the expected first pitch at 1:35 pm ET.

Pirates Lineup

3B - Ke’Bryan Hayes

DH - Bryan Reynolds

SS - Oneil Cruz

1B - Rowdy Tellez

RF - Edward Olivares

2B - Jared Triolo

LF - Jack Suwinski

C - Yasmani Grandal

CF - Michael A. Taylor

Rays Lineup

1B - Yandy Diaz

DH - Josh Lowe

LF - Randy Arozarena

3B - Isaac Paredes

2B - Richie Palacios

CF - Jose Siri

RF - Jonny DeLuca

SS - Taylor Walls

C - Alex Jackson

Pitching Matchup

PIT - Paul Skenes (4-0, 2.29 ERA, 39.1 IP, 7 BB, 53 K)

TB - Aaron Civale (2-5, 5.42 ERA, 76.1 IP, 22 BB, 79 K)

Yesterday’s Feature

The MLB draft combine was this past week, and while we only saw the first day, that gave us some interesting names that stood out.

2024 MLB draft combine standouts

Today’s Feature

Yordany De Los Santos has been performing well in the FCL this season. Could he get a promotion to Bradenton soon? I take a look at his start, as well as some other promotion candidates.

Yordany De Los Santos continues to hit way towards another shot in Bradenton

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Bucs on Deck Top 25: Midseason updated list

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