Game #1: Willy v Carlos Martinez, Lineup & Notes

Game: The seven-inning lid lifter is at 4:05. The game will be aired on MLB Network (out of market), AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan.

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B, Ke'Bryan Hayes 3B, Colin Moran DH, Gregory Polanco RF, Bryan Reynolds LF, Kevin Newman SS, JT Riddle CF, Jose Osuna 1B, John Ryan Murphy C and Trevor Williams P.  Shelty likes to get everyone involved in double headers; no Gonzo or J-Bell in the opener and JT in center...

Joey O back in the lineup - 2018 Topps Black

Pitchers: RHP Trevor Williams (1-7, 6.35) takes on Carlos Martinez (0-2/10.32). Like Brault, Willy's last four starts have been pretty sad (0-4/9.25) with 9 homers surrendered in 21 IP being the killer. He hasn't seen the Redbirds since July, when they chased him in the fourth inning. Carlos is working his way back into shape; this is his fourth start since he missed the start of the season with Covid 19. He's burning through pitches, but he did have eight K in four innings during his last outing and has been working in the 80-90 pitch range, so his arm is strong enough as he tries to knock the rust off his command.

Notes:

• The Pirates usual twin bill fallback twirler, Cody Ponce, has to miss today's opportunity. He just pitched four days ago, so he's a day shy of regular rest for today's games. OF Jason Martin will be the 29th man for today's bonus baseball.
• Tuck's concussion was caused by a fall in the runway at Cincy; he slipped on his spikes and conked his head. Cole ended up on the 7-day IL yesterday. As they used to tell us in HS football "Keep those helmets on!"
• The Cards' Dakota Hudson, who left yesterday's game after a couple of innings due to arm tightness, will get an MRI today.