Pirates-Nats Close Out With Rubber Match, Willy v Gonzalez & Notes

Today: It's a getaway day game starting at 12:35. It will be streamed by Facebook at facebook.com/MLB. No other TV outlets will carry the game. 93.7 The Fan will handle the radio call. The Facebook thing is a MLB concept, btw, not a Bucco initiative.

Pitchers: RHP Trevor Williams (6-7, 4.60) finishes the set against LHP Gio Gonzalez (6-5, 3.76). Trevor has been pretty bad lately. He's coming off the shortest start of his career, allowing five earned runs over 2 1/3 innings vs. the Phillies. Willy faced the Nats once this year, taking the loss after giving up three runs and two homers over 5-2/3 frames in a meh outing. Gonzalez has been up-and-down for the past month, and his once ace-like ERA has grown by and run and half in his past seven outings and he hasn't gotten past the fifth inning in his last four outings. He was once kryptonite to Pirate bats, but in his latest efforts, single starts in 2016 and 2017, the Buccos have handled him pretty well.

Willy does today's spinning (photo Pittsburgh Pirates)

Lineup: Josh Harrison 2B, Starling Marte CF, Gregory Polanco RF, Fran Cervelli C, David Freese 3B, J-Bell 1B, Luplow LF, Jordy SS & Williams. Clint's lefty lineups are always a sight to behold. Austin Meadows gets another sit down, along with Corey D and Colin.

Notes:

• Next up: The Brewers come to town for a five game set with a double header on Saturday. The set ends Sunday, followed by the All-Star break.
• Corey Dickerson has gone 3-for-8 with a walk and two runs scored in his two games from the leadoff spot.
• The Bucs have swiped 10 bases in their last four games and have been successful 17 times in their last 18 stolen base attempts. Starling Marte currently shares the NL lead with 23 stolen bases.
• Altoona southpaw Taylor Hearn will start tonight for the Western Division in the Eastern League All-Star Game.