(Photo Credit: Bill Kostroun / AP)
PNC Park – The Pirates (65 – 44) look to snap a 2-game skid tonight as they take on the Rockies (52 – 59) in the second game of a 3-game set. Francisco Liriano (11 – 4, 2.16 ERA) will face Jorge De La Rosa (10 – 5, 3.21 ERA).
Leading Off
Francisco Liriano brings a team-leading 11 wins into tonight’s start. That figure represents the most wins by a southpaw since Zach Duke recorded 11 victories in 2009. The last Bucco to win 12 or more games in a season was Tom Gorzelanny, who went 14 – 10 in 2007.
Hurdle’s Quotes
On viewing the tape of Jared Hughes’ performance last night (He pitched a scoreless inning while giving up a hit and a walk) – “I think we saw some of the good stuff and I think we saw a guy that was probably just excited to be back in the big leagues a little bit and a little bit in a hurry in a couple of pitch sequences. I think we’re in a good place and I know he feels good just getting back on the mound and getting that one down and behind him.”
Other Notes
— With 21 doubles, nine triples and 10 home runs, Starling Marte is one triple shy of being the first Pirate since Jack Wilson in 2004 to collect 10 doubles, triples and homers in the same season.
— The Shark Tank leads all National League teams with 39 saves, trailing only Baltimore (42) FOR THE Major League lead. The Pirates posted a total of 45 saves in 2012.
— In his seven starts at PNC Park this season, Francisco Liriano has posted a 1.61 ERA (44.2 IP / 8 ER). He has pitched into the 6th inning in all seven starts and has held the opposition to a .213 batting average and zero home runs while striking out 49.
First pitch is set for 7:05.
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