Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (82-70) look to extend their Wild Card lead against the Brewers (79-74). Jeff Locke (7-5, 3.66 ERA) will start things off for the Bucs against Yovani Gallardo (8-10, 3.59 ERA).
Injury Update
Charlie Morton experienced “increased discomfort” towards the end of his last start and again during bullpen session yesterday. He will have a follow up exam next week.
Vance Worley will start for the Pirates in their home finale on Sunday vs. Milwaukee.
Playoff Update
— Last night, the Cardinals scored late to tie the Brewers and then walked-off in the 13th to remain 2 1/2 up on the Pirates for the N.L. Central lead. The Brewers fall 3 1/2 games behind Pittsburgh for the second Wild Card.
— The Giants play in San Diego tonight with a two game lead for the first Wild Card.
Hurdle’s Quotes
On what this series means to the team and the fans: “It’s presented to is this way because both teams have played and won the games they’ve won. This is a part of baseball that fans gotta love. The city has got to love having these games. The players love playing in these games. Outside of that, we’re going to attack it as the game we’re playing tonight. It’s the most important game we’re going to play all day. Happens to be tonight. Happens to be against the Brewers, Happens to be at home.”
Other Notes
— Andrew McCutchen is two doubles away from 200 in his career. He is currently tied for seventh in the N.L. with 38 two-baggers this season and ranks second only to Matt Holliday (183) with 172 doubles since the start of the 2010 season.
— Josh Harrison comes in to tonight leading the National League batting race with a .319 batting average. Justin Morneau (.317) ranks second. Andrew McCutchen is currently fifth with a .308 average.
— Tonight the Pirates are making their eighth attempt of the season at winning a fifth a fifth consecutive game. A victory tonight would give Pittsburgh its first five-game winning streak since August 3-8, 2013.
Tonight’s Pirates Lineup
First Pitch is set for 7:05.
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(Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
