Volquez v Peralta, Lineup (Pedro on 1st), Comeback Kids, International Market

Edinson Volquez (10-7, 3.58) faces Wily Peralta (15-7, 3.27) tonight.

Eddie wasn't at his best last outing, nor was the Pirate defense behind him. He been fairly dependable, with his velocity strong all year and his command improved over past seasons. Volquez leads the starters with 10 wins, and his key this year has been the ability to pitch through adversity, belying his reputation as a guy who cracked when the pressure was applied.

He hasn't traditionally been very strong against the Brew Crew with a 6-4/4.57 slash in 15 career starts. But Eddie's been pretty good versus Milwaukee this season, going 1-1 with a 2.79 ERA in three starts.

Peralta is pretty much a two-trick pony, but those two tricks are pretty good. His sinker averages almost 96 MPH and he has a decent slider to go with it, along with a show-me change up that may get used a half dozen times per game. That's his missing link; until he develops his change, lefties are a problem for him, with a .303 BA and .812 OPS. Even with that, he's tied for the most wins in baseball.

He's 2-0/2.25 in three starts against Pittsburgh. Wily has a win and no-decision this year versus the Bucs, giving up just two earned runs in 14 IP (1.29 ERA).

The Lineup: Josh Harrison 3B, Travis Snider RF, Cutch CF, Neil Walker 2B, Russ Martin C, Pedro 1B, Starling Marte LF, Jordy Mercer SS and Volquez P. Pedro's in, Ike's out and Gregory Polanco is on the pine under he shortens up that swing.

The game begins at 7:10 and will be aired by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

• Better late...Pittsburgh’s 33 comeback wins rank first in the NL and second in MLB, trailing only the Angels (39) and tied with the Tigers (33).
• Figuring it out: The Pirates have gone 7-7 in their last 14 games played at Miller Park, dating back to May 1st of last season. Prior to that 14-game stretch, Pittsburgh posted a 7-46 record in Milwaukee.
• Clint Hurdle expressed cautious optimism that Clint Barmes would be able to rejoin the team during a three-game series with St. Louis that starts Monday.
• A gathering storm: Jason Scherer of MLB Daily Dish warns that unless MLB acts, the small revenue teams will be trampled underfoot by the big boys in the international market place.