Pirates v Cubs; Jordy Still Out, Notes & Lineup

Today's Game: Frankie Liriano takes on Travis Wood in a battle of the lefties. Francisco has a 2.08 ERA and 14 K in 13 IP, and no wins. Wood is 1-1 with a 2.31 ERA and 12 K in 11-2/3 IP. Both have performed well at PNC Park over their careers, and we're looking for some tight pitching.

Frankie - 2014 Topps Gypsy Queen

Today's Lineup: Josh Harrison 3B, Neil Walker 2B, Cutch CF, Corey Hart 1B, Starling Marte LF, Jung Ho Kang SS, Fran Cervelli C, Sean Rodriguez RF, Liriano P.

Ah, the long awaited anti-lefty line up. Too bad Jordy's still sore; he likes LHP, but Cutch and Marte should make up. El Coffee got the night off, and so did Pedro, his first time out of the lineup this year.

• Partay time: In his last four games, Starling Marte has gone 5-for-16 (.313) with three home runs and eight RBI. His running mate, Gregory Polanco has gone 6-for-15 (.400) with two doubles, an RBI and four runs scored over the same span.
• Cutch is four knocks shy  of joining the 1,000 hit club.
• The Pirates have scored the first inning in the last three games and have out-scored their opponents, 7-2, in the opening frame so far this campaign.
• Getting to know you: Beginning last night the Pirates and Cubs were scheduled to play each other seven times in 10 days. The clubs will meet again in Chicago next Monday through Wednesday
• The Cubs called up Addison Russell to start at second tonite. And he almost didn't answer the call to the show....
• Some good news: the Pirates announced that the lady that was drilled by a foul last night has been released from the hospital.