Sunday Twin Finale - Wil Crowe v Matt Shoemaker To Decide Series

Today's Game: The finale is at 2:10 and will be on AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan. 

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B; Phil Evans LF; Bryan Reynolds CF; Colin Moran 1B; Erik Gonzalez 3B; Todd Frazier DH; Gregory Polanco RF; Jake Stallings C; Kevin Newman SS and Wil Crowe P. With a day off tomorrow, Shelty has the regulars on the field on a Sunday.

Wil steps in for Chad - photo 2020 Pirates

Pitchers: RHP Wil Crowe (0-0/13.50) takes on RHP Matt Shoemaker (1-1/6.28) in the rubber match. Wil was plucked off the taxi squad to replace the injured Chad Kuhl. He's only worked 2/3 IP this year, giving up a run on a hit with two walks and two K. Part of the Josh Bell deal, the 26-year-old has never faced Minnesota; this will only be his fifth MLB appearance. The 34-year-old Shoemaker was a promising youngster, but since 2016 has been injury-bitten, with a skull fracture caused by a liner, a couple of years of arm troubles and then a bum knee. He was sharp in his first outing, but not so much in his last two starts. This will be the first time he's toed the slab against the Pirates.

Notes:

• RHP Geoff Hartlieb was optioned to the alt site today to clear an active roster spot for Wil Crowe.
• Phil Evans will appreciate the day off tomorrow - he's 4-of-34 (.118) since April 13th, which coincidentally is the day he got plunked twice.
• The Pirates are 10-11 going into today; after 21 games last year, they were 4-17. This will be the third time in five days they try to reach the .500 mark.
• LHP Wade LeBlanc was DFA'ed by the Orioles. He made 58 appearances for the Bucs in 2016-17 with a line of 6-2-2/3.94.

Tomorrow's Game: The Bucs have Monday off and then will face the Royals in a quick two-game set at PNC Park. The Cards will follow for three weekend contests, then it's off to San Diego.