Though the Pittsburgh Pirates missed out on their chance to win the National League Central, it still has plenty to fight for as it faces the Cincinnati Reds this weekend.
“We’re still chasing,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “We’re focused on winning the game today. Our goal is to nail down the opportunity to play at home.”
The Reds are on a 12-game losing streak currently, and a loss would be the longest drought since 1945.
In tonight’s contest, Francisco Liriano faces Keyvius Sampson.
Liriano has a 3-0 record in his past four starts, which includes a victory against the Chicago Cubs in his last appearance. In the start, Liriano pitched 7.2 scoreless innings in his longest start since June 12. Liriano is one strikeout shy of matching his mark of 201 set in 2010 while with the Minnesota Twins. That mark is a career-high. Liriano is 1-5 with a 3.61 ERA in 11 regular season starts against the Reds.
Sampson is 0-2 with a 6.35 ERA in three career starts against the Reds. Sampson lost his last start to the New York Mets and allowed five runs [two earned] in 2.2 innings of work. He threw 63 pitches in the outing.
Seventh inning stretch: In a PSN exclusive, Pirates Director of Baseball Operations Tyrone Brooks made his first public comments since he was considered for the Milwaukee Brewers general manager position.
“It’s something I’ve always tried to strive for with my career and when I first got into the game it was a goal,” said Brooks of the GM opportunity. “The most important thing is being valued with what you’re doing and to contribute. If you get honored for something like that, it’s a privilege.”
Brooks had the opportunity to join Mark DelPiano, [currently is with the Miami Marlins organization to oversee minor league operations] as a front office member to depart the team.
Ultimately, the Brewers went with 30-year-old David Stearns.
During the process Brooks was given advice from general manager Neal Huntington and received additional assistance from team president Frank Coonelly.
While the announcement did not go Brooks’ way, he by no means was upset to continue making Pittsburgh his place of work.
“I would love for that [becoming a GM] to happen someday down the road. In the meantime, I want to do the best I can to help this team win in Pittsburgh.”
Bottom of the ninth: Indianapolis Indians manager Dean Treanor has been with the Pirates since his Indianapolis Indians lost in the final game of the International League Championship.
While with the Pirates, Treanor has had the chance to once again see so many of the faces he told had made the big league club.
“It’s obviously great to be able to see them here,” said Treanor. “Everybody that’s come up has made an impact here, so that’s very rewarding to see them do that.”
Reflecting on the past Indians season, Treanor spoke with a sense of pride over his team’s accomplishments.
“It was a good year in that regards and making it to the last game,” Treanor said. “It’s the growth of the players and that’s what really stands out this year. It speaks to the organization and that the future is in good hands, we’ve got some good young players coming here.”
Both the Pirates and Reds are 32-41 against the NL Central this season. The Pirates are 6-10 against the Reds this season… A victory for the Pirates tonight would give them 97 for the seventh time overall and the first time since 1992… Joey Votto has set a single-season club record with 142 walks after having 135 in 2013.
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