Friday, April 24, 2015

Pirates v D-backs, Notes & Lineup (Marte Is Back)

Today's Game: Gerrit Cole faces Josh Collmenter at Chase Field, with the first pitch scheduled for 9:40 PM. Cole has won his last two outings, while Collmenter tossed a complete game goose egg for his first win on Friday. The game will be aired by 93.7 The Fan; Root Sports will pick it up right after the 7 PM Penguin game ends.

Today's Lineup: Josh Harrison 3B, Gregory Polanco RF, Cutch CF, Neil Walker 2B, Starling Marte LF, Pedro 1B, Fran Cervelli C, Jordy Mercer SS, Cole P.

After being a little nicked up for the Cub set, the Bucs are back at full strength with the A Team penciled in tonight. And give the bench guys their due; the team really hasn't missed a beat due to rest or injury so far.


Cutch got his blow and is ready to go (photo: ESPN)
  • Neil Walker has a quiet little six game hitting streak going on.
  • You might remember the last series between these teams, when Ernest Frieri broke Paul Goldschmidt's hand and Cutch paid the price the next night, taking a heater in the back. We'll see how (or if) the attitudes have adjusted with Kirk Gibson gone. 
  • The Bucs have played well in the desert, winning six of their last nine games played in Arizona, dating back to 4/17/12.
  • Collmenter tossed the majors' first shutout (and first complete game) last week in San Francisco, giving up just four hits after struggling through his first two starts. He was Arizona's Opening Day pitcher this year.
  • Wandy Rodriguez is supposed to start for the Rangers tonight.

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