Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (80-70) look to clinch their second straight non-losing season against the Red Sox (66-85). Francisco Liriano (5-10, 3.53 ERA) will oppose Clay Buchholz (8-8, 5.19 ERA).
Playoff Update
— The Pirates are now 2 1/2 games behind the Cardinals for first in the National League Central after St. Louis’s loss to Milwaukee in extras last night. The Brewers remain 1 1/2 behind Pittsburgh for the second Wild Card.
— The Giants beat the Diamondbacks last night to remain 2 1/2 games up on the Pirates for the first Wild Card spot (home field in the Wild Card game). The Pirates hold the tie breaker and will host the game if both teams hold the same record at the end of the season.
— The Braves fell to the Nationals last night dropping them 5 1/2 games behind the Pirates for the second Wild Card. The Nationals clinched the NL East with the win.
Hurdle’s Quotes
On Liriano bouncing back from injury to his 2013 self: “He’s healthy. He didn’t come out of the gate 100%. He tried to pitch less than 100% and gave us what he had. I think it challenged him a couple different ways in his delivery and then later on when the oblique showed up, that obviously shut him down. I think he got rested. I think he was very good in his approach to his rehab to when he did come back he was 100% healthy. he had no limitations, no reservations and he’s pitched like it. He’s got back to a good place on the mound. He’s confident and his fastball effectiveness makes everything else play.”
Other Notes
— Francisco Liriano enters tonight’s action having pitched 16 consecutive scoreless innings ( the longest active streak in the N.L.) dating back to his start on 8/31. He has been charged with just two runs in his last four starts (27 IP – 0.67 ERA) and has given up two runs or less in 10 of his 11 starts since the All-Star break.
— A total of eight different Pirates have hit at least 10 home runs for the team this year, tying the club record set in 2007. Ike Davis has hit nine home runs with Pittsburgh this season and is one homer shy of giving the Pirates nine players with at least 10 home runs for the first time in club history.
— Now in their 128th season of play in the National League, the Pirates are one win shy of 9,900 franchise victories. They would join the Giants, Cubs, Braves, Dodgers and Yankees as the only clubs with as many all-time wins.
Tonight’s Pirates Lineup
First Pitch is set for 7:05.
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(Photo Credit: Rich Schultz / Getty Images)
