Andrew McCutchen and Russel Martin led the Pirates six-run offensive output last evening in support of Vance Worley. The display helped hand Pittsburgh their second victory of the series, and now gives them the opportunity to win three of four from the Phillies going into tonight's ballgame. With playoff implications increasing every day for the Pirates, Philadelphia has one less chance to dampen the spirits of their enemies in yellow and black. Leading the charge will be a former teammate of the Bucs, A.J. Burnett. Meanwhile, Clint Hurdle will send Francisco Liriano to the hill in the 7:05 matchup.
The must frustrating part of the 2014 season for A.J. Burnett continues to be the free passes he allows to the opponent. Consider the fact that Burnett has given up at least a single walk in all but two of his starts this season, and has given up more than one walk in 22 of his 30 outings. In fact, Burnett has an eight walk lead over the rest of the major league pitchers. It's not exactly the reason for his sub-par season, but certainly isn't helping. In his one start against the Pirates this season, Burnett went seven innings in PNC Park, allowing just three runs on five hits, two walks, and seven strikeouts. The Phillies would end up losing the game.
Francisco Liriano has now been in the major leagues for the better part of nine seasons (he missed 2007 while recovering from Tommy John surgery) with three different ballclubs. If you compare his 2014 campaign with his performance last season, you would probably say there was a hint of disappointment. However, a sub-4.00 ERA and a FIP even lower suggest he hasn't been a hindrance. And, with the Pirates coming down an incredibly important stretch toward the postseason, Liriano has stepped his game up. Since giving up three earned runs to the Cincinatti Reds on July 13th, the veteran has given up more than two runs in a game just once. Tonight, he will be coming off of a six-inning, no-run performance against the Chicago Cubs.
A couple of Phillies notes:
- Maikel Franco makes another start over Cody Asche at third base, batting second.
- Chase Utley gets the night off, while Cesar Hernandez takes over second base.
- Jimmy Rollins continues to nurse his injury, and Freddy Galvis makes his second straight start at shortstop.
- Darin Ruf makes the start in left field after Domonic Brown exited last night's game with a left shoulder contusion.
- Carlos Ruiz returns to the lineup.
Phillies Lineup
- Ben Revere CF
- Maikel Franco 3B
- Marlon Byrd RF
- Ryan Howard 1B
- Darin Ruf LF
- Carlos Ruiz C
- Cesar Hernandez 2B
- Freddy Galvis SS
- A.J. Burnett P
Pirates Lineup
- Josh Harrison 3B
- Travis Snyder RF
- Andrew McCutchen CF
- Neil Walked 2B
- Russell Martin C
- Starling Marte LF
- Ike Davis 1B
- Jordy Mercer SS
- Francisco Liriano P
Andrew Gillen, Managing Editor of Philliedelphia.com
