Pitchers: Ryan Vogelsong (1-2, 2.67) starts it off against southpaw Matt Moore (7-8, 3.99; 0-1, 3.00 SF). V-Song was a popular part of two Giant WS clubs from 2011-15, and this is homecoming for him. Vogey has been tough in his last pair of outings since returning from the DL (one run in 12 IP), so we'll see if he can keep the ball rollin' in what's sure to be an emotional evening. Ryan and the Giants have met only twice, with the last match in 2007. Moore was acquired from Tampa Bay at the deadline for Matt Duffy & prospects. He was one of the Rays' arms the Bucs were sniffing at before deciding the asking price was too high. MM was an All-Star in 2013 before having TJ surgery in 2014 and returned to the majors last July. He's pitched well if wildly in his first pair of G-Man starts, with 11 walks in 12 IP but just six hits and four runs surrendered. This will be his first Pittsburgh match up.
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| Ryan returns to the Bay (photo Dave Arrigo/Pirates) |
Lineup: Josh 2B, Jordy SS, Cutch CF, David Fesse 1B, Starling Marte LF, Jung Ho Kang 3B, Fran C, Gregory Polanco RF, V-Song P. Marte's back and so is Gregory, the lone lefty against southpaw Moore.
Preview: The Bucs avoid MadBum and Johnny Cueto, which is great news when you face the Giants, so the Pirates are facing the back end of a rotation again like they did at LA. The G-Men been playing basically .500 ball recently and are coming off a brutal defeat to the Orioles, losing 7-6 on a three-run, two-out homer in the ninth. But the Golden Gaters did take 3-of-4 earlier in the year at PNC Park behind their aces, and Buster Posey, Hunter Pence, Brandon Belt, Brandon Crawford and Angel Pagan can square it up pretty well. As for the Bucs, they've taken their last three series though they all featured some self-inflicted damage. So their key is to avoid mistakes, keep on pitching tough and laissez les bons temps rouler.
- Per @EliasSports: Yesterday was the first time the Pirates lead off hitter (Josh) & eight-hole hitter (Fraze) both got four hits in the same game since 1955, when Roberto Clemente and Dick Groat turned the trick.
- Tyler Glasnow tossed three not very inspiring innings yesterday and was visited by the trainer during the outing. He didn't speak to reporters afterwards and @NotSoMcCool tweeted that he will be evaluated today after looking "uncomfortable"
- Altoona OF Barrett Barnes was named the Eastern League Player of the Week. He hit .579 in five games with three homers, two doubles, and five RBIs. He also scored five runs and drew a pair of walks.
- The Fort is in the Central Division again. The Brewers just picked Michael McKenry up and assigned him to their AAA club.
2 comments:
This will be an emotional game for Ryan, and the Giants fans should welcome him back with open arms.
I'm sure it was. The fans were good to him - he was cheered at the intro, got an ovation when he took the mound to start the game and another when he was given the hook. Classy act; the Giants even had a video highlight, I believe. Let's just hope the emotions got the better of his pitching tonight, lol.
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