A nationally televised audience is in for a treat as Gerrit Cole will face Clayton Kershaw on ESPN tonight in the first game of the season between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Los Angeles Dodgers.
Cole [14-5 2.29 ERA] leads the major leagues in wins and since Sept. 7 has a 2.43 ERA and 170.1 innings pitched. He is 2-0 with a 4.50 ERA in two career starts against the Dodgers. He lost in his last start against the Cincinnati Reds and allowed three runs [two earned] in five innings. Cole has a 1-2 record with a 2.25 ERA in the second half of the season.
Kershaw [9-6 2.37 ERA] is carrying a 37-inning scoreless streak outing and has a 0.22 ERA in his past four starts. His longest scoreless inning streak is 41 innings and Luis Tiant is the last pitcher with multiple scoreless streaks of 37 innings of more doing so in 1968 and 1972. He leads the major leagues with 192 career strikeouts and with eight tonight would pass 200 for the sixth consecutive season tying Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale for most in franchise history.
“His stuff is there and it doesn’t seem like he misses too often,” Chris Stewart said. “His attitude and presence out there give him that intimidating factor.”
Kershaw has won his past four starts and has thrown at least eight innings in his past three.
Of all of the Pirates, Aramis Ramirez has faced his the most going 5-for-23 [.217]. Though he complimented Kershaw’s arsenal which includes a devastating curveball and 95 mile-per-hour fastball but wants the focus to be elsewhere.
“It’s a team, it’s not about me, Kershaw or Cole,” said Ramirez. If we want to beat the Dodgers, we have to play as a team.”
Hughes joins metal heads at First Niagara Pavilion: Fans who follow Jared Hughes on Twitter now know of Jared Hughes’ love for metal if they already did not.
Hughes was at a show Thursday which featured Slipknot, Lamb of God and Bullet for My Valentine.
The relief pitcher did not grow up with Slipknot, however heard Killpop in addition to other songs and became a fan.
“I knew they were coming to town and I like metal so I started listening to them a lot more and I like them and their heaviness,” Hughes said. “Anything that makes my ears hurt when I listen to it I like.”
Hughes is known for his demeanor when he takes the mound and is able to draw parallels to his love for metal music.
“I pace myself when I’m trying to go slow and command the ball and when I’m aggressive and in the zone attacking hitters, it’s more of a metal mindset for me,” said Hughes. “There are definitely good comparisons and I like to feel that I’m listening to metal music sometimes when I’m pitching.”
When it comes to his favorite group, Hughes is a Throwdown fan, especially the song Raise Your Fist. Hughes describes Throwdown as a straight edge metal core band from Orange County, CA.
“I love that they’re clean and they’re angry,” Hughes said.
Seventh inning stretch: Earlier in the week, manager Clint Hurdle stated that Pedro Florimon would see some reps in the outfield. This was because the Pirates are high on Florimon’s defense.
This season Florimon is batting .091 and has played in seven games. He has registered an at-bat once this month and struck out.
Defensively his range factor is at 5.76 which is at a career high.
“It’s not difficult for me because I’ve played outfield before,” said Florimon on the transition. “This is something that I know. I have to do whatever I am told. I am here to help however I can. I’m here and I feel comfortable that he is putting me everywhere.”
Earlier today it was announced that J.A. Happ will have his turn in the rotation skipped. He will be available tonight out of the bullpen. Among all starting pitchers with 20 or more starts, Happ on average has pitched the fewest innings.
It’s good to have three left-handers available to come out of the bullpen against if need be,” Hurdle said. “Ray and him have already touched on what is important for him to be the pitcher he was in the first half.”
Bottom of the ninth: Adrian Gonzalez is third among active players with at least 150 plate appearances against the Pirates with an OPS of 1.017… The Pirates are 11-2 against National League West opponents and 12-3 in their last 15 home games… The waiver claim on Deolis Guerra has been rescinded and he is now on the Pirates disabled list with knee inflammation. As a result Wilfredo Boscan was designated for assignment.
He said it: “You see it on TV and it comes off the fastball plane and it falls out of the zone so that makes it tough.” – Stewart on Kershaw’s curveball
Photo credit: Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
