Tonight is the conclusion of the first three game series to be played at PNC Park as the Pittsburgh Pirates [3-5] take on the Detroit Tigers [7-1]. The Pirates won the series opener 5-4 Monday and lost 2-0 Tuesday.
Last game out:
The Pirates were a part of a three-hit shutout losing 2-0 to the Tigers Tuesday night. Shane Greene and Joakim Soria did not allow a base runner to pass first base in the process.
Tigers Manager Brad Ausmus got the win on his 46th birthday despite A.J. Burnett pitching 6.2 innings while allowing one run. He eclipsed 100 pitches for the 38th time as a Pirate throwing 111 pitches in the process.
Burnett had a tough fourth inning allowing two runners to get in scoring position after getting the first two batters out via the strikeout. Burnett however struck out Nick Castellanos to end the frame much to the delight of the 31,755 fans who willed him on to that punch out.
Burnett gave up a single run in the seventh on a Rajai Davis single and the Tigers added a run in the ninth with Rob Scahill on the mound, though the run was charged to Arquimedes Caminero.
“What sense does it make to work counts when he’s pitching 10 pitches an inning,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “That particular game you tip your hat to the man and move forward and be a little better equipped if we see him again.”
Tonight’s starters:
Francisco Liriano will make his return from the bereavement list tonight and will pitch his first game since Opening Day. Liriano allowed two runs over the course of seven innings against the Reds and received a no decision. Liriano is 5-9 with a 5.82 ERA in 25 games, 18 of which are starts against the Tigers. Liriano is 1-8 against the Tigers in his past 13 appearances though he is 12-0 against other interleague opponents.
Simon won an 8-4 road game against the Cleveland Indians Friday in which he allowed three runs on seven hits in 5.1 innings pitched. Simon was acquired from the Reds on December 11. Pirates hitters are batting .241 in their career against him.
Hurdle’s thoughts:
After a “work day” yesterday, Starling Marte has returned to the Pirates lineup and does so with a shaved head. Marte is a .316 hitter against Tigers starter Alfredo Simon.
“We revisited some video tape and talked about the importance of having a slow heartbeat,” Hurdle said. “Regardless of what you’ve done in this game and what you want to do, you’ve got to find balance in the box. More off than not we can go in that box and when we see a lot we really see a little and when you see a little you really see a lot. We’re just trying to help him slow things down and be the player and hitter that he can be.”
Tonight serves as Jackie Robinson Day at PNC Park. All players and coaches will wear the number 42 to recognize Jackie Robinson. When looking back at Jackie Robinson, Hurdle remembered the quote “a life is not important expect in the impact it has on other lives.” This was something he sent in his daily emails which contain three quotes.
“This might be one of the men you can pick out with anybody in the world that impacted more lives off the field because he played on the field… It was historic, it changed the complexion of the game but it also changed the complexion of society,” said Hurdle.
Pitcher Charlie Morton pitched a side session today and Hurdle met with pitching coach Ray Searage following batting practice Tuesday. Morton will start Saturday in extended Spring Training in Tampa against the New York Yankees. Morton is expected to pitch 3-4 innings with a maximum of 55 pitches.
Chris Stewart has been rehabbing with the Indianapolis Indians and will once again be in its starting line up. Hurdle plans to talk to Stewart during the team’s off day tomorrow. Stewart has not suffered any set backs.
Tonight’s lineups:
Pirates [3-5]
1. Josh Harrison 3B
2 Gregory Polanco RF
3 Andrew McCutchen CF
4 Neil Walker 2B
5 Starling Marte LF
6 Pedro Alvarez 1B
7 Francisco Cervelli C
8 Jordy Mercer SS
9 Francisco Liriano P
Tigers [7-1]
1 Rajai Davis CF
2 Ian Kinsler 2B
3 Miguel Cabrera 1B
4 J.D. Martinez RF
5 Yoenis Cespedes LF
6 Nick Castellanos 3B
7 James McCann C
8 Jose Iglesias SS
9 Alfredo Simon P
Final word:
Hurdle’s plans for tomorrow’s off-day have been made. He will support the Pittsburgh Penguins with his parents during a dinner.
“I’ll definitely have the hockey game on,” said Hurdle. “That’s what I do with off days early in the season.”
