Wednesday Night Rubber Match: JT Brubaker Closes It Out v Yu Darvish

Today's Game: The getaway match starts at 8:10 and will be aired on AT&T SportsNet & 93.7 The Fan. After this contest, it's adios, Padres - this is the last regular season meeting between the clubs this year. And it's not just the rubber match for this set, but the year - the squads have split their first six contests.

Lineup: Adam Frazier 2B; Bryan Reynolds CF; Erik Gonzalez 3B; Colin Moran 1B; Jake Stallings C; Ka'ai Tom LF; Hunter Owen RF; Kevin Newman SS; JT Brubaker P. Hunter Owen gets his first MLB start tonight, and if you called an Owen-Reynolds-Tom outfield a week or so ago, go to the head of the class.

Hunter Owen debuts - 2021 Pirates promo photo

Pitchers: RHP JT Brubaker (2-2/2.63) ends the set against RHP Yu Darvish (3-1/2.13) in a pretty good looking matchup. Bru has become the out-of-the-gate Buc ace, and in his last four starts has gone five+ innings while surrendering three or fewer runs. This is his first battle against the Friars. Darvish one-ups JT lately - he's allowed just one run per start in his last five outings while going at least six frames, and has a 3-1 win against the Pirates this year already in the bank.

Notes:

• Fraze is on a six-game hitting streak and has hit safely in seven of his last eight games.
• Ric Rod has retired 28 straight batters, a reliever's perfect game + one.
• Kyle Crick has not allowed a hit in his last eight appearances (7-2/3IP).
• All the IL guys are progressing nicely and none are expected back in the short term.

Tomorrow's Game: Pittsburgh is off tomorrow and will pick it up again Friday against the Cubbies at Wrigley Field. The Bucs will start RHP Trevor Cahill (1-3/7.40) in the opener.