The Pittsburgh Pirates look to avoid a sweep tonight against the Cincinnati Reds. The Pirates are currently on a five game losing streak and are looking for their first victory in May.
In last night’s game, the Pirates lost 3-0. Gerrit Cole lost his first start of the season and the defeat ended an eight-game winning streak for him. The Reds did their damage with two runs in the fourth inning and one in the fifth. Cole was removed from the game after five innings.
Tonight’s starters:
In tonight’s game the Pirates will send A.J. Burnett [0-1 1.45 ERA] to the mound to face Anthony DeSclafani [2-2 2.03 ERA].
Burnett is coming off his third consecutive start with a no-decision. Burnett allowed no runs on two hits in six innings of work. Burnett walked three batters and struck out seven in 97 pitches. Burnett is 7-6 against the Reds with a 3.69 ERA in 107.1 innings pitched. His 17th and most recent start prior to tonight’s game Burnett received a no-decision while pitching against DeSclafani. He took a 2-0 lead into the sixth inning but left after allowing a two-run home run to Joey Votto.
DeSclafani is coming off an outing in which he lost his second game of the season. DeSclafani allowed four runs on four hits in five innings on 90 pitches against the Atlanta Braves. In his lone outing against the Pirates, DeSclafani allowed two runs on five hits in six innings of work. This resulted in a no-decision.
Pregame thoughts:
Steve Lombardozzi spoke following Pirates batting practice after his first day with the team. Lombardozzi was called up when Andrew Lambo was placed on the disabled list yesterday.
“I think it’s always a fresh start when you go to a new organization,” Lombardozzi said of the opportunity. “I was very excited when I got the call I was going over. Spring Training was awesome, the staff has been great and the players are a great group of guys.”
Lombardozzi was informed of the call-up in front of all of his Indianapolis Indians teammates by manager Dean Treanor. His strong Spring Training put him on the bubble for the roster spot and he fell just short. Lombardozzi batted .379 with the Indians and has the ability to play several positions both in the infield and outfield.
“The more positions I can play the better,” said Lombardozzi. “I’m here to help them win and whatever I can do I’m good with.”
The Pirates offense has come into question after averaging one run per game during the five game losing streak. Will the team’s approach change? Not according to manager Clint Hurdle.
“I don’t know how good your philosophy is if you change it after five weeks of the season,” Hurdle said.
Tonight’s lineups:
Pirates [12-15]
1. Gregory Polanco RF
2. Neil Walker 2B
3. Andrew McCutchen CF
4. Starling Marte LF
5. Pedro Alvarez 1B
6. Josh Harrison 3B
7. Jordy Mercer SS
8. Chris Stewart C
9. A.J. Burnett P
Reds [14-13]
1. Billy Hamilton CF
2. Marlon Byrd LF
3. Joey Votto 1B
4. Todd Frazier 3B
5. Brandon Phillips 2B
6. Jay Bruce RF
7. Kristopher Negron SS
8. Brayan Pena C
9. Anthony DeSclafani P
Bottom of the ninth:
Sportingcharts.com has a statistic showing 109 starting pitchers and the run support they receive for every nine innings. Burnett is dead last on the list with 1.452 just ahead of Cole Hamels and a full 10.124 runs behind the Drew Hutchison of the Toronto Blue Jays, who is first in the statistic.
Charlie Morton will pitch Friday for the Altoona Curve with the goal being 80-90 pitches. His start will be in Harrisburg, Pa. and viewed by Jim Benedict, a special assistant to the general manager and the team’s pitching guru.
The Pirates have confirmed in a press release that top-ranked prospect Tyler Glasnow has a right ankle sprain.
