Pittsburgh Pirates Vs. Philadelphia Phillies Preview, Lineups, Odds, And Weather
By Larry Snyder
The Pittsburgh Pirates (17-17) close out their four-game series today with the Phillies (12-23) in Philadelphia. Clint Hurdle’s squad has won seven of 10 series finales this season while the Phils are 2-8 in the last contest of a series.
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Today’s matchup is the first of four straight day games for the crew of the Jolly Roger. Pittsburgh is 6-4 in the daylight this season, putting up a 4-0 mark at the friendly confines of PNC Park and 2-4 on the road. First baseman Pedro Alvarez has solar powered home runs as four of his five round-trippers have come in the daytime.
Meanwhile down on the farm, righthander Charlie Morton makes a rehab start this evening with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians at Victory Field against the Norfolk Tides. He has been on the disabled list since April 5 recovering from right hip surgery.
When: Thursday, May 14
First Pitch: 1:05 p.m. ET
Site: Citizens Bank Park
Playing Surface: Kentucky Blue Grass
Television Coverage: ROOT Sports Network
Radio Coverage: KDKA-FM 93.7 – The Fan
Announcers: Greg Brown, Tim Neverett, Bob Walk, Steve Blass and John Wehner
Live (Pay) Streaming: MLB.TV
Online Highlights: Pirates Video
Pittsburgh Pirates
Sirius XM Satellite Radio: XM Internet 861
Odds: Pirates -1.5 According To Bovada Online Sportsbook and the Over/Under is at 7.5.
Weather Forecast: According to the Weather Channel, the forecast is calling for sunny skies. The high today is to be 75. Chance of rain is 0%.
Starting Pitchers: Philadelphia will send Aaron Harang (3-3, 2.38 ERA/1.01 WHIP) to the mound. In 2014, the 6-foot-7, 260-pound righthander was 1-1 against the Bucs with a 2.35 ERA.
Pittsburgh will counter with Vance Worley (2-2, 4.63 ERA/1.57 WHIP). The 27-year-old will be making his seventh start of the season. His last start was a no decision in the Pirates 7-5 victory last Saturday against the St. Louis Cardinals. The 6-foot-4, 230-pound righthander is 1-0 in one career start against the Phillies.
Your Starting Lineups:
Pirates
1) – Gregory Polanco, RF
2) – Josh Harrison, LF
3) – Neil Walker, 2B
4) – Starling Marte, CF
5) – Pedro Alvarez, 1B
6) – Jung Ho Kang 3B
7) – Jordy Mercer, SS
8) – Chris Steward, C
9) – Vance Worley, RHP
Phillies:
1) – Ben Revere, LF
2) – Freddy Galvis, SS
3) – Chase Utley, 2B
4) – Ryan Howard, 1B
5) – Cesar Hernandez,3B
6) – Grady Sizemore, RF
7) – Odubel Herrera, CF
8) – Cameron Rupp, C
9) – Aaron Harung, RHP
Next Matchup: Pittsburgh stays on the road as they head to Wrigley Field in Chicago Friday for a three-game set with the Cubs. The first pitch is scheduled for 2.20 p.m.
The Cubs will go with righthander Kyle Hendricks (0-1) and the Bucs will send lefthander Jeff Locke (2-2) to the hill. The game will be broadcast on ROOT Sports Pittsburgh.
Beyond The Scoreboard: Pittsburgh is 12-7 in games in which they hit a home run…The Pirates have allowed the fewest first inning runs in the Majors this season with four after the first 34 contests…Each of the Bucs’ last four defeats on the road have been by one run…They have turned six double plays in the last four games.
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