Cubbie Notes, Lineup

The Cubs send RHP Ryan Dempster (0-2, 2.28) against RHP A.J. Burnett (2-2, 4.78) tonight. Dempster is on a 16-start winless streak, amazing for a guy with his ERA, but the Cubbies have scored three or less times in all but one of his starts this year. Burnett has been a stalwart for the Bucs minus one horrendous outing. The game begins at 7:05 and will be aired on Root Sports.

The Cubs are on a nine game losing streak, their longest since May of 2002, and have a record of 15-29. They're in the NL Central basement, and it's a good time for the Bucs to catch them. On the other hand, the boys from the Windy City have to think that a visit to Pittsburgh may be just what the doc ordered, and they are, if nothing else, due.

And finally, for all you guys who follow the club thru your techie toys, tonight's game is the team's first Social Media Night. Fans who follow the Pirates twitter feed or like the Facebook page get $10 off an outfield box seat, along a chance for some other goodies and a free tee.

The Lineup: Jose Tabata LF, Josh Harrison RF, Andrew McCutchen CF, Pedro Alvarez 3B, Neil Walker 2B, Matt Hague 1B, Rod Barajas C, Clint Barmes SS, AJ Burnett P.

• Jeff Karstens makes his second rehab start at Altoona tomorrow, looking to reach the 60 pitch mark. He tossed three scoreless innings in his first outing earlier in the week.
• RHP Ryota Igarashi, a 2012 Pirate spring camp invitee, has been called up to join the Blue Jays today, according to Bluebird Banter. The reliever was sold by the Bucs to the Jays before the season started.
• Today in history: Babe Ruth hit his 714th and final home run at Forbes Field in 1936, a career record that would stand for almost 40 years before Hammerin' Hank claimed the crown. The Bambino went four for four, hitting three home runs and driving in six runs. One cleared the right field roof, and by local lore didn't quit rolling until it stopped near Boundary Street.