Saturday, May 12, 2018

Bucs-Giants Game #2, Cool Chad v Samardzija & Notes

Today: Game two of the G-Man set will open at 7:05 and be aired by AT&T SportsNet and 93.7 The Fan. Tonight's handout will be a black 'n' gold Bleacher Cooler bag for those who smuggle drinks into the ballyard (water bottles and kiddie juicers are legit). The game may be delayed as a t-storm is forecast to last til seven or so, followed by a chance of showers.

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B, Gregory Polanco RF, Straling Marte CF, J-Bell 1B, Corey Dickerson LF, Fran Cervelli C, Colin Moran 3B, Jordy SS & Chad Kuhl P. Back to the A-Team.

Chad looks to build on his last outing (image Pittsburgh Pirates)

Pitchers: RHP Jeff Samardzija (1-2, 6.62) tosses v RHP Chad Kuhl (4-2, 4.12). Cool Chad is coming off a sparkling performance; the question is whether that was an a-ha moment or if he's gonna continue with his hair-pulling inconsistency. Chet is 0-0 in one career start against the G-Men, allowing one run in six innings in a 2-1, 11-inning loss last year at PNC Park. The Shark has made four starts this year and been good in two of them and had his cage rattled in the other pair, including his latest outing against the Phils. Samardzija doesn't get deep into his starts; five innings has been his wall so far. He's seen the Bucs 25 times (14 starts) over his career and has been more than solid, going 6-4/2.80. Last year he was 2-0 in two starts, giving up three runs on 10 hits with 13 K in 13 IP.

Notes:
  • Jameson Taillon cut his finger yesterday, but hopes to make his next start, which is still TBD at this point. 
  • Josh Harrison has been cleared for baseball activities and expects to begin his rehab assignment soon. He's been out since April 16th.
  • Starling has a six-game hitting streak; Red Beard's string is at four.
  • No place like home: Jordy has hit safely in all 14 games he's played at PNC Park this year, going 21-for-54 (.389).
  • Joe Musgrove will start for Indy tonight against Columbus; it will be his first AAA rehab outing after stops at Bradenton and Altoona.

No comments: