Frankie v Williams Perez; Lineup & Notes

Today's Game - Francisco Liriano (4-6, 3.26) opens the Bravo series against Williams Perez (4-0, 2.78). Frankie pooped out in his last outing against the unhittable Max Scherzer, but still has gone 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA and 53 strikeouts in his last six starts. He split against the Bravos last year, getting clobbered in one outing while untouchable in the other. One concern: Liriano has gone 2-4 with a 4.35 ERA so far this year at PNC Park as six of the eight HR he's surrendered have been at home.

Frankie on the bump (photo Gregory Bull/Associated Press)

The rookie Perez uses a sinker (51% ground ball rate), mixed in with a curve and change. He was the starter of a wild one in Atlanta earlier this month that the Buccos took by a 10-8 score; he gave up five hits and walked five in five innings, but escaped with a no decision. Caveat emptor, though; that was the only game of his last five starts that he didn't win.

Tonight's game starts at 7:05 and will be carried by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan. And they should be able to get this one in; the heavy rain isn't supposed to roll through until midnight or so.

Stew is behind the dish after a long night at the office by Fran. JHK is back on the pine and Gregory is dropped way down in the lineup. The Bucs aren't scoring much of late and the Braves were held to a pair of runs while being swept  in a three game set against Washington. Smart money says take the under tonight.

• Cutch has reached safely in four straight games with three doubles and a home run. He's collected five hits and five walks during that span.
• No Freddy Freeman this series; he's on the DL with a sprained wrist. 
• The Bucs have called up RHP Deolis Guerra from Indy. He was 2-1-4/1.23 with a strikeout per inning with the Tribe. No announcement has been made yet as to corresponding moves, but Rob Scahill has an option remaining and can be safely sent down, while switching Andrew Lambo from the 15-day DL to 60 is no problem, as he's been on the DL since May 4th and most certainly won't be back in the next week or two. This also means the Bucs will continue to play a man short on the bench as the bullpen is carrying an extra arm.
• The Braves have lost five of the past seven series at PNC Park.