Bucs-Nats, Cool Chad v Max Scherzer & Notes

Today: The game's first pitch will be at 7:05. The game will be carried by AT&T SportsNet and 93.7 The Fan. It's a big night for DC-Steel City rivalries as the Pens take on the Caps in Pittsburgh in a Stanley Cup brawl.

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B, Gregory Polanco RF, Starling Marte CF, J-Bell 1B, Corey Dickerson LF, Fran Cervelli C, Colim Moran 3B, Jordy SS & Cool Chad P. Same ol'.

Chad on the bump tonight (photo Pittsburgh Pirates)

Pitchers: RHP Chad Kuhl (3-1, 4.55) will have his work cut out today against RHP Max Scherzer (5-1, 1.62). Chad is coming along; he's won back-to-back games and looks closer to figuring it out every start. He's faced Washington twice, both times in 2016, tossing a gem in one start and getting roughed up in the other, so not much to be garnered from history. Max is a three-time (and defending) Cy Young winner, five-time All-Star, has averaged better than a K per inning over his 10-year career and is basically the poster child for aces. He's 4-2/2.74 in 10 starts v the Buccos with 88 K in 65-2/3 IP and a 0.989 WHIP.

Notes:

• In an effort to wake up their attack, the Nats are batting Bryce Harper leadoff tonight.
• Pittsburgh’s outfielders have recorded a league-leading nine assists. Starling Marte and Corey Dickerson are tied for the MLB lead with four assists apiece.
• AJ Schugel made back-to-back appearances at Indy, so his rehab stint should be in its final stages. 
• Jose Osuna was named the International League's Player of the Month for April.
• Congrats to writer John Perrotto who was inducted into the Beaver County Sports Hall of Fame. Also entering the HoF was 18-year MLB vet, slugger Jack Clark, who was born in New Brighton.