Good afternoon from PNC Park where the Pirates (64-61) desperately need a victory over the Braves (65-60) to snap their current six-game losing skid. Francisco Liriano (3-9, 3.78 ERA) will look to play stopper against Aaron Harang (9-7, 3.51 ERA).
— Andrew McCutchen and Jordy Mercer are in the Pirates lineup tonight. McCutchen has been activated off of the 15-Day DL. To make room for him on the active roster, Michael Martinez has been optioned to AAA Indianapolis. Mercer had been out of the lineup due to “right forearm tightness”.
Hurdle’s Quotes
On determining when to start Ike or when to start Pedro at first: “I look at a number of different things. Offensive indicators, average at the time, individual matchups, defense as far as the pitcher that is starting.”
If Pedro will see any more time at third base: “This year, we have a better option with Harrison, right now. Could it work that way? As soon as I intended to move him to the other side we lost Mercer and we put him back over there. My intention is to not close the door on that, but put the best team on that field every night that I can for us. If that includes him at third then so be it, but as of right now, we have a better option.”
On the challenging August’s the Pirates have experienced the past four seasons: “I think every team needs to be looked at for the them they have that year. I don’t have common fabric from the four teams I’ve had here in the month of August to say it’s A, B and C for everybody that we’ve had. The first year there wasn’t enough experience and depth. The second year a lot of those guy were never playing for anything and I think the level of competition caught up to us, as well. The third year we didn’t have any of those issues. This year, for me, it’s more of a case of us being challenged from the depth prospective and just our overall play. We have been in position to win games throughout this month and just have not been able to put them away.”
Other Notes
— In six starts since the All-Star break, Francisco Liriano has gone 2-2 with a 1.89 ERA (38 IP / 8 ER). His ERA in that time is fifth-lowest among National League pitchers with at least five starts. In addition, Liriano has posted a 2.05 ERA (22 IP / 5 ER) in his last four starts at PNC Park.
— In his last 14 games, Starling Marte has gone 19-for-51 (.373) with six doubles, a triple, three home runs, eight RBI and 13 runs scored. He has hit safely in five straight games (9-for-20, .400)and in 10 of his last 11 (15-for-40, .375).
— The Pirates lead all Major League teams with 49 pinch hits and 35 pinch-hit RBI.
Tonight’s Lineups
First pitch is set for 7:05.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
