Sunday: Gerrit Cole v Jon Lester, Lineup, Notes

Today: The series-ending game starts at 2:20 and will be on Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan as the Buccos try to salvage a win.

Pitchers: Gerrit Cole (3-3, 3.78) climbs the hill opposite Jon Lester (3-1, 1.58). The Cole Train was derailed by the Cubbies a couple of weeks ago, fueled by control issues. The top gun in the rotation should be your stopper, and this would be a fine time for Gerrit to claim that title. Lester was less masterful than effective in his win against the Bucs. He tossed 5-2/3 shutout IP, but put up that goose egg while surrendering eight hits and walking a pair.

Cole Train looks for a bounce back today (photo Dave Arrigo/Pirates)

Lineup: Jordy SS, Cutch CF, David Freese 1B, Starling Marte LF, Fran Cervelli C, Jung Ho Kang 3B, Josh Harrison 2B, S-Rod RF, Cole P. Contrary to SOP, Gregory is getting a blow against a lefty, and Freeser continues the platoon at first. Also, JHK gets his third straight start, so he must be feelin' perky.

• Cory Luebke was removed from 15-day DL after rehab at Indy and placed on the active roster. AJ Schugel was optioned to Indy.
• The Sporting News has a piece on the beanball exchange between the Bucs and Cubs. The Pirates smell a rat; Joe Madden says "moi?"
• The MLB Bucs preach resilience and playing all 27 outs. Starts in the minors, we guess.  The Altoona Curve scored six runs with two outs in ninth for 7-6 win at Richmond last night.