Notes

RHP Aaron Harang (9-3, 3.76) takes the hill against. RHP Jeff Karstens (8-5, 2.49). The game starts at 7:05 PM and will be shown on Root Sports.

Lineup: Andrew McCutchen CF, Garrett Jones RF, Neil Walker 2B, Ryan Ludwick LF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Ryan Doumit C, Xavier Paul RF, Ronny Cedeno SS, Jeff Karstens P.

Guess Clint liked last night's lineup; he's sticking with it.

• When the little things go south: Five of the Pirates' last nine losses have been by one run, and they were leading or tied after seven innings in each of those defeats.
• The Padres have lost a MLB-high six 1-0 games of the eight they've played in 2011, and have been shutout 16 times, also the most in the majors.
• The Bucco starter, Jeff Karstens, is from San Diego.
• Altoona RHP Kyle McPherson got some love in Baseball America's "Hot Sheet," getting a mention for his control & consistency on the hill.