Thursday, September 12, 2013

Locke v Rusin As Cubs Come To Town

Jeff Locke (9-5, 3.23) takes on the Cubs' Chris Rusin (2-3, 2.89). Locke looked more like his old self last time out, but leadoff batters reaching base and walks continue to give him problems. Rookie Rusin, 26, has only made 10 starts, and he's been pretty effective in his early work, using an 88 MPH sinker/cutter combo. His peripherals suggest a bit of regression is due, and he did get beat up some in his last outing, so we'll see tonight if that trend continues.

The game starts at 7:05 and will be aired by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Pirate lineup: Josh Harrison 2b, Jordy Mercer SS, Andrew McCutchen CF, Justin Morneau 1b, Marlon Byrd RF, Pedro Alvarez 3b, Russell Martin C, Jose Tabata LF and Jeff Locke P.

We think Gaby should be in the lineup; guess Clint disagrees.

Cub lineup: Starlin Castro SS, Darwin Barney 2b, Anthony Rizzo 1b, Donnie Murphy 3b, Junior Lake LF, Welington Castillo C, Darnell McDonald RF, Ryan Sweeney CF and Chris Rusin P.

Just doesn't seem like the Cubs with first Ramirez going and then Siriano.

  • The Cards and Reds both won yesterday, so no movement in the NL Central.
  • The Pirates have thrived on four games series so far this year. They're 22-10 with six series wins and two splits. Hopefully the trend continues, as they have back-to-back four game sets against the Cubs and Padres. The Bucs are also 45-25 at home, and their next victory at PNC Park will mark the best season they've ever had at home. The record was set last year, when the club won 45 games. 
  • Worried about Gerrit Cole being shipped to the pen? Neal Huntington said "...based on where he is right now and where we project him going forward, he should be available to us through the World Series as a starting pitcher.”
  • Pittsburgh went 15-5 versus the AL this season, with an unlikely 9-1 record on the road.

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