Locke Opens Against Cubs; Lineup & Notes

Today's Game - Jeff Locke (2-2, 4.71) faces off against Kyle Hendricks (0-1, 4.65). In an earlier matchup on April 23rd, the Pirates prevailed 5-4. Locke is 1-2 with a 5.11 ERA in seven career starts versus Chicago and was hammered in losing a 6-2 decision to Travis Wood on April 28th at Wrigley Field. On the following day, Hendricks lasted five innings in an 8-1 loss to the Pirates. The game starts at 2:20 and will be on Root Sports, MLB Network & 93.7 The Fan.

Today's Lineup - Gregory Polanco RF, Neil Walker 2B, Cutch CF, Starling Marte LF, Jung-Ho Kang SS, Pedro 1B, Josh Harrison 3B, Fran Cervelli C, Locke P.

Jordy's turn to get a day off; Kang has been pleasantly solid at short so far, and Clint likes his bat enough to slide him ahead of Pedro. 

The Cubs have won four in a row, sit in second in the division and and are 2-1/2 games ahead of the Pirates. On its last visit in April, Pittsburgh dropped two of three games at Wrigley Field. After a couple of disappointing losses at Philly, this would be a good spot for a bounce-back series.

Jordy gets a rest today (photo: USA Today)

• In 11 games at cleanup, Starling Marte has a slash of .359/.409/.487, so far allowing Clint the luxury of moving Neil Walker around in the lineup.
• More nice news: Josh is 5-for-10 in his last three games, and it'll be nice if his bat is going again.
• Daylight disconnect: Pittsburgh is 6-5 this season in day games, posting a 4-0 record at PNC Park and 2-5 record on the road.
• Not quite ready for prime time yet? Charlie Morton allowed two runs (one earned), 11 hits and whiffed eight in seven frames for Indianapolis last night, tossing 96 pitches.
• Rob Scahill talked to The Fan Morning Show and had some nice things to say about the Bucco organization.