Bucs - Friars, Willy v Lucchesi & Notes

Today: The games starts at 10:10 and will be carried by AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan. Perfect timing to carry you through to last call at the pub.

Pitchers: RHP Trevor Williams (6-5, 4.03) takes on LHP Joey Lucchesi (3-3, 3.57). Willy looks like he's getting back into his groove judging by his past two outings, and that would be some good news for a staff that has to be sharp while awaiting the offense to find some consistent thunder. He was quite meh in his only start against San Diego, allowing four runs in six innings on May 20th.  Lucchesi is making his third start since returning from a hip injury that sidelined him for over a month and is still showing some rust. His last outing was good albeit short: he tossed four innings and 70 pitches worth of shutout ball against the Rangers. It will be the 25-year-old rookie's first start against Pittsburgh.

Willy looking to let the good times roll (photo Pittsburgh Pirates)

Lineup: Starling Marte CF, J-Bell 1B, Josh Harrison 2B, David Freese 3B, Elias Diaz, Austin Meadows LF, Gregory Polanco RF, Jordy SS & Williams P. Another southpaw...

Notes:

• J-Clutch: Josh Harrison is hitting .439 (29-for-66) with runners on base this season and .433 (13-for-30) w/RISP.
• Not exactly cleaning up: Colin Morin has been hitting fourth for his past 13 starts and gone 11-for-44 (.250) with two home runs and four RBI. Freeser hasn't been an improvement. He's 4-for-22 (.182) with one RBI and no extra base hits from the cleanup spot.
• Bad trend: Corey D is hitting .263 in June after batting .307 in May and .323 in April/March.