The Pittsburgh Pirates lost two of three games earlier this week to the Milwaukee Brewers, a team with the second-worst record in all of baseball. Tonight the Pirates begin a three-game series with the Philadelphia Phillies who currently own the worst record in baseball.
The Phillies have lost each of their last seven games away from Citizens Bank Park which is their longest streak since losing 11 from July 20-August 11 in 2013. The Phillies have a major league-worst record of 7-23 on the road. This marks the first time they have had 23 or more losses over their first 30 road games since 1941 when they were 6-24.
“I think anybody that’s ever worn a uniform knows better than to take anybody for granted,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “You have to go out and play your best game. Those are some of the hardest lessons learned when you don’t.”
These two teams split a four-game series in Philadelphia in May.
Tonight’s starters:
The Pirates will send left-handed pitcher Jeff Locke [3-3 5.37 ERA] to the mound against Kevin Correia [2015 debut].
Locke owns a 4-0 record with a 1.35 ERA in four career starts against the Phillies. Locke earned a no-decision in his last outing in which he allowed four runs on seven hits in 6.1 innings.
Correia, the former Pirate went 0-1 with a 3.58 ERA in six starts for Triple-A Sacramento before he was released by the Giants on May 29. Correia is is 76-95 in his career and was 24-22 as a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates and is 3-1 with a 3.69 ERA in eight games [five starts against them].
“Correia is a guy we know,” said Hurdle. “He’s going to hit some spots, he’s a guy that wants to locate well, change speeds and spin the ball. We need to be efficient as far as making him work in the middle of the plate.”
Pregame thoughts:
Though Correia is a known quantity, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg was not completely sure what to expect from his right-handed starting pitcher nothing he has thrown one side session since.
“He hasn’t thrown since the 29th,” Sandberg. “I’m anxious to see him and where he’s at. It’ll be a fresh look for all of us. He’s a veteran pitcher that’s been around a little bit and knows how to pitch.”
Josh Harrison finds himself fifth in the Pirates batting order for the second time this season. Hurdle expressed satisfaction with his top of the lineup as of late while noting Harrison had a little quicker fire with the at-bats.
He’s done some damage there and he’s shown a batting average that plays with runners in scoring position,” said Hurdle. “Right now I’m a little bit caught up at the dynamic of those two guys up top [Polanco and Marte] playing the way they are and running the bases.”
When the Pirates were in Philadelphia, the Phillies somewhat surprisingly sent down Cody Asche with the intent to build him into a left fielder. This was done so the Phillies could call-up Maikel Franco. Since June 2, Franco is tied for first in doubles, second in slugging percentage, OPS, total bases, tied for second in home runs and tied for third in both average and hits.
Since returning to the Phillies, Asche is 9-for-42, a .214 average while still learning in left field.
“He’s learning as he goes in some regards,” Sandberg said. “I think he’s shown the athletic ability with some foot speed. As far as getting different balls down the line and some balls that aren’t a normal fly ball and balls that go to the fence, that comes with game experience. I think he’s showed some smarts out there and shows a good true arm, both positive things.”
Bottom of the ninth:
The Phillies are 16-28 against the Pirates at PNC Park and have lost five of their last six series including a sweep in 2014.
In Locke’s last 30 starts at PNC Park, the Pirates have gone 20-10. Locke is 6-2 with a 3.31 ERA in his last 15 home starts.
A win tonight for the Pirates would make 900 for Hurdle. Only four active managers [Bruce Bochy, Mike Scioscia, Buck Showalter and Terry Francona] have 900 or more victories.
I’m humbled at the opportunity to manage as many games as I’ve managed,” said Hurdle. “Hopefully I’ve represented the position and I’ve helped some boys grow into some men and some men grow into leaders.”
Photo courtesy: Justin K. Aller/AP
