Good afternoon from PNC Park where today the Pirates (31-34) look to complete the series victory against the Cubs (26-37). Edinson Volquez (3-5, 4.27 ERA) will oppose Jeff Samardzija (2-5, 2.54 ERA).
— Josh Harrison injured his ankle and was removed from last night’s game. Clint Hurdle said it shouldn’t be a long-term problem.
“We think he’s improved from yesterday. Don’t feel he is a DL candidate which is the best news that came from today. We believe he could possibly used off the bench this evening.”
Hurdle’s Quotes
On Polanco’s time at lead off in Indianapolis: “He did fine. He embraced it. One of the few guys that, you tell everybody that you when you move them there not to change your game, but he didn’t have to change it. He’s basically showed patience. Aggressive within the strike zone looking for a pitch, using the whole field. He bunted a few more times when he was down there, hit-and-run, did all the plays put in place so, I’m very confident moving him up there and I don’t expect he’ll change anything.”
Other Notes
— Last night’s appearance by Jason Grilli was the 400th of his 12-year Major League career. In his 162 games with the Pirates, Grilli has posted a 2.75 ERA (157 1/3 IP/48 ER), 218 strikeouts and 46 saves.
— Starling Marte has produced three straight multi-hit games, going 7-for-12 with three doubles and three RBI, following a 0-for-23 streak.
— Pittsburgh has won each of it’s last two four-game series after taking three-of-four against Washington here at PNC Park from May 22-25 and on the road at Dodger Stadium from May 29-June 1.
Tonight’s Pirates Lineup
First pitch is set for 7:05.
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(Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images)
