Bucs-Cards, Big Joe v Mikolas, Lineup & Notes - The Kevins Start

Today: The Game's afoot at 8:15 and will be on AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan.

Pitchers: RHP Joe Musgrove (6-8, 3.75) takes on RHP Miles Mikolas (14-4, 3.06 ERA) In his eight starts since the break, he's tossed to a 3.40 ERA and has pitched at least seven innings in five of his last nine outings. He's made a career-high 17 starts, so the Bucs will keep an eye on his stamina down the stretch. Big Joe faced the Birds twice, spinning seven shutout innings in his first go and then giving up five runs in six frames 10 days ago, so a mixed bag so far. Miles is fading a little as in his last five starts he's slashed 2-1/4.60 (although the Cards have won four of those outings). he's0-2 in three Bucco starts, giving up seven earned runs in 17 IP, but has been snake bit; the Redbirds were shut out in the last two games that Mikolas has tossed against Pittsburgh while he gave up just three runs.

Big Joe looks to even up the series (photo Pgh Pirates)

Lineup: Adam Frazier RF, Starling Marte CF, J-Bell 1B, Fran Cervelli C, Corey Dickerson LF, Colin Moran 3B, Kevin Kramer 2B, Kevin Newman SS & Musgrove P. The Indy middle infield takes its bow...

Notes:

• Keone Kela didn't get in yesterday because the Pirates are monitoring his innings. He's tossed 52 IP this campaign. Because of various injuries, he hasn't worked 40 MLB innings since 2015 and he's unavailable again tonight. Still, he's been off since September 3rd; doesn't seem to us like a staggering workload to date.
• Last night, the Pirates hit at least three home runs in a game for the 15th time this season and the 12th time on the road. It was the first time this season they lost after hitting three+ long balls.
• A week belated, but here's the Indy end-of-year award winners: MVP - Kevin Newman; Pitcher of the Year - Tyler Eppler; Silver Slugger - Jose Osuna; Rookie of the Year - Kevin Kramer; Hustle & Grit (Position Player) - Pablo Reyes; Hustle & Grit (Pitcher) - Damien Magnifico.