Morton v Price, Lineup, Buc Bats, Hot Time In June...

 Charlie Morton (4-8, 3.47) stares down David Price (5-7, 3.81) on get-away day, looking for the sweep. Charlie had a rough outing last time on the hill, again falling victim to big inning syndrome. So hopefully he's got that out of his system. His work against lefties has been encouraging, and the Bucs hope for some consistency from him.

Price leads MLB with 133 strikeouts and has only walked 13 batters. His peripherals are, as noted, just fine. His biggest problem is the long ball. He's given up 16 HR in 115 IP. Price may also dealing with audition anxiety, we'd guess, as the Rays have made it pretty clear that he's on he market.

The lineup: Greg Polanco RF, Josh Harrison LF, Cutch CF, Gaby Sanchez 1B, Russ Martin DH, Jordy Mercer SS, Neil Walker 2B, Clint Barmes 3B and Chris Stewart C. Barmes is starting for just the fifth time at 3B in his career. He hasn't played the hot corner since 2008 as one of Clint Hurdle's Rockies.

The game starts at 12:10 and will be on Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

• The Bucs have homered in five straight games, tying their season high set at the start of the month.
• Since May 6th, the Bucs have posted the best record in the NL (27-18, .600) and the third-best record in MLB during that time behind Oakland (28-17, .622) and Toronto (29-18, .617).
• Still lookin': A win today would give the Pirates their first series sweep of the season and their first since ending the 2013 campaign with a three-game sweep in Cincinnati.
• Following today's game, the Pirates host a 10-game home stand against the Mets, Diamondbacks and Phillies.