Good afternoon from a rainy PNC Park where the Pirates (71-64) look to complete a three-game sweep of the Reds (65-71). Francisco Liriano (3-10, 3.98 ERA) will take the hill and will oppose Johnny Cueto (15-8, .26 ERA).
Hurdle’s Quotes
On the importance of having an off day this late in the season: “It always seems to work out this way and through September, I think you get one about every week. I think, also, when you see your club get challenged physically, the off day plays bigger. If we weren’t having the physical challenges that we’re having, it might have not been as big a deal. The timing did work out well for us and we have another one next week after the St. Louis series before we head to Chicago.”
Other Notes
— Neil Walker leads all National League second basemen with 18 home runs. His 18 homers are a season career high and are tied for the second-highest total for a Pittsburgh second basemen in team history. Bill Mazeroski holds the club record for most home runs hit by a second basemen (19 in 1958) and George Grantham also hit 18 in 1930.
— Saturday afternoon’s win gave Pittsburgh a 20-10 record in one-run games played at PNC Park this season. The Pirates went 18-9 in one-run games at home last year and have gone 193-140 (.580 winning percentage) all time at PNC Park in games decided by the slightest of margins.
— Cincinnati native Josh Harrison has a Major League leading 95 total bases and 25 extra base hits since the All-Star break. Harrison, who has hit safely in five straight games, ranks second in the National League with a .308 batting average and second with a .356 batting average with runners in scoring position.
This Afternoon’s Pirates Lineup
First pitch is scheduled for 1:35.
Follow @TBerardi_OVA
(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
