Frankie Faces Tim Hudson; Lineup & Notes

Today's Game - Francisco Liriano (2-4, 3.47) takes the hill opposite Tim Hudson (3-4, 4.62) looking to lead the Buccos to a sweep of the mighty Giants. Frankie has entered one of his zones; he's given up one run on nine hits with three walks while striking out 23 batters in his last two starts, covering 12 frames. Liriano has faced the Giants three times and is 2-1, but with a lifetime 4.76 ERA and 1.5888 WHIP.  Hudson is another G-Man who's been up and down, and tosses better at home by a bit. The vet has faced the Buccos 15 times with a 6-8/3.23 ERA.  The get-away game begins at 3:45 and will be on Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

JT gets the call (2010 Topps Update series)

The Lineup - Josh Harrison 3B, Gregory Polanco RF, Cutch CF, Neil Walker 2B, Pedro 1B, Jose Tabata LF, Fran Cervelli C, Jordy Mercer SS, Liriano P.

Starling gets a couple of days to ponder, as tomorrow is an off day. Sorta surprising Kang didn't move to third and Josh slide to left, but Clint works in mysterious ways.

• Frankie is attempting to become just the second Bucco hurler to post three straight 10+ K outings. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the only Pittsburgh pitcher with three consecutive 10 strikeout games since 1900 is Ollie Perez in 2004. 
• Gregory Polanco has a seven-game hitting streak.
• This is the first time this season the Pirates have been four games over .500;  their record now sits at 28-24, six games behind the Cards.
• The last Pirate sweep of the Giants in San Francisco was in 2004. 
• Jonah Keri of Grantland marks May 20th as the Pirates take-off date.
• Pittsburgh is considered a Top Five baseball city - and so are two of its division opponents, per the Post Gazette.
• Ryan Fagan of TSN selects each team's five biggest draft misfires.