Detroit Series Rubber Match w/Nova v Fulmer, Notes

Today: It's a 7:05 start with the game on AT&T SportsNet, MLB Network (out-of-market) and 93.7 The Fan.

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B, Gregory Polanco RF, Starling Marte CF, J-Bell 1B, Corey Dickerson LF, Fran Cervelli C, Colin Moran 3B, S-Rod SS & Ivan Nova P. Clint just can't stand a stable lineup; but this is Sean's birthday, so...

HBD S-Rod! 2016 Topps

Pitchers: RHP Ivan Nova (2-1, 4.20) closes the set against RHP Michael Fulmer (1-2, 3.47). Ivan's been tossing the ball pretty solidly the past two or three starts, so he looks like he's settling into a rhythm. He earned no decision on Opening Day although he went six IP and gave up two runs on six hits; his bugaboo that day was three walks, his season high. Fulmer isn't quite into his groove yet as the Tigers main gun, but it'd be tough to tell from his outing against the Bucs - he went eight innings and gave up a run on four hits, but lost to Trevor Williams and the Three Musketeers 1-0.

Notes:

• As a pair, Bucco backstops Fran Cervelli and Eli are hitting .357 with five homers, 21 RBI and a Major League best 1.070 OPS.
• Earl Weaver would be so proud - the Pirates hit a pair of three-run homers in yesterday’s doubleheader (Cervy in game one and Joey O in game two). Pittsburgh is tied with Atlanta for the most three-run homers hit in the majors this season w/six. Individually, Amore is tied with Atlanta’s Preston Tucker for the most with three.
• Sunday's starter is still up in the air - Tyler Glasnow is available so far, and Nick Kingham's Saturday start at Indy has been left open as a TBD, so stay tuned.
• Nope, they didn't change colors. The Pirates are wearing new alt jerseys and caps that feature green trim and hats during all Thursday home games as part of the team’s Military Appreciation Program.