Frankie Faces James Shields; Lineup & Notes

Today's Game: Francisco Liriano (2-4, 3.86) will try to keep the beat going as he faces James Shields (6-0, 3.75) tonight. Frankie is coming off a strong start against the Mets in what has been an up-and-down start to the 2015 season. He's 1-2 against the Padres, but has a 2.42 ERA in his four starts and 32 whiffs in 26 IP. Don't let Shields ERA fool ya - he's the first Friar since Andy Hawkins in 1985 to start the year with six straight wins and leads the NL in K's and swings-and-misses, but he has been quite susceptible to the long ball this season, giving up 15 already. He doesn't have a track record against the Bucs as this is the first time he'll work against them. The game starts at 10:10 and will be carried by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Josh gets a blow today; JHK slides to third and Jordy steps in at short. Gregory bats leadoff, where he's hit just .200 this season.

• During their seven game winning streak, the Pirates have hit .319 with 10 home runs and 46 runs scored.
• Fran the Man: Francisco Cervelli has reached base safely in eight straight games and is batting .487 in his last 11 starts, dating back to 5/10. His .325 BA is the MLB high for a catcher. Along w/Stew, Pittsburgh’s catchers are hitting a MLB best .318 with an NL leading .370 OBP.
• The Bucs three home runs last night were the first time they hit a trio in a single game at Petco Park. The last time Pittsburgh banged three out in San Diego was at Jack Murphy Stadium in 1995.
• Each of Pedro's last 11 bombs (nine this campaign) have been solo shots; he hasn't gone long with a runner on base since August, 2014. 
• Jeff Sullivan of Just A Bit Outside writes "Perfect Offseason Paying Off For Pirates."