At PNC Park
Game time: 7:05PM ET
Probable starters:
WAS: Stephen Strasburg (3-1, 3.28 ERA)
PIT: Chad Kuhl (1-3, 5.81 ERA)
Quote:
Nationals right-hander Stephen Strasburg, who made his electrifying Major League debut against the Pirates a little less than seven years ago, will look to continue his mastery of the Bucs when he starts the opener of a three-game series Tuesday night at PNC Park.
Strasburg owns a 2.51 ERA in six career starts against Pittsburgh. The numbers behind his ERA might be even more impressive: In 43 innings, he has allowed 26 hits and eight walks while striking out 60 of the 159 Pirates hitters he's faced. Strasburg is coming off his worst start of the season, however, as he allowed five runs on eight hits over six innings against the Orioles.
Strasburg will line up against Pittsburgh right-hander Chad Kuhl, whose last four starts have been cut short by ineffectiveness, injury and inclement weather. After putting together three solid starts to begin the season, Kuhl has posted a 9.88 ERA in 13 2/3 innings over his last four outings. He gave up four runs on six hits in five innings Wednesday at Dodger Stadium.
The best start of Kuhl's young Major League career came against the Nationals last July. The right-hander tossed six scoreless innings, and held Washington's dangerous lineup to one hit and struck out five.
Things to know about this game
• Pirates left-hander Felipe Rivero, acquired from the Nationals in last year's Mark Melancon trade, has earned the trust of manager Clint Hurdle and pitching coach Ray Searage. In addition to being a setup man for closer Tony Watson, Rivero has emerged as a sort of fireman out of the bullpen, stranding seven of the eight runners he's inherited this season.
"He's impressive," Hurdle said. "He's got weapons. They're legit."
• Nationals outfielder Jayson Werth has been limited by nagging groin tightness and did not start in the first half of Washington's doubleheader on Sunday. He could return during this series.
• After playing 14 of their last 17 games on the road during a stretch without an off-day, the Pirates are scheduled to play 12 of their next 16 games at PNC Park
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/201705142 ... _pk=490691#GONUTTINGSWALLET
Well played!