The Pirates (53 – 36) look to avoid a sweep to the Athletics (54 – 37) in the final game of the three game set at PNC. Francisco Liriano (8 – 3, 2.20 ERA) will oppose Tommy Milone (8 – 7, 4.11 ERA).
Hurdle’s Quotes
On the offense’s woes as of late – “I believe it’s an offense that will self-correct. We’ve got a number of individuals that probably haven’t met expectations that we’ve projected going in and we’ve had some that have. We all like our team, we are committed to working hard every day to get a little bit better. From the offensive side, the guys are mindful, they’re not gonna panic, that’s not a good state or place for anybody to be in for play or work.”
On having ESPN here to broadcast tonight’s game – “I think it just comes part of when you play better, those things happen and when you win some more games. I think it plays into it (the changing culture of the team). It’s nice to play on national TV, I would think.”
“I know my sister is happy about it. I got one sister that doesn’t miss a game and another that will only watch us when we’re on national TV (laughs).”
Other Notes
— The Pirates are 0 – 11 all-time against Oakland and 0 – 5 at PNC.
— After hitting .089 in his first 13 games this season, Pedro Alvarez is hitting .279 (69-for-247) with 23 homers and 57 RBI in his last 68 games. In those 68 games, Pedro leads the NL in homers and is fourth in RBI.
— Austin Meadows made his professional debut yesterday for the GCL Pirates going 1-for-5 with an RBI and two runs scored while starting in center field.
— Starling Marte leads N.L. leadoff hitters with 58 runs scored and ranks fifth in the majors in that category.
First pitch is set for 7:05.
Follow Travis for Pirates news and in-game updates on Twitter @TBerardi_OVA or @ovathletics
(Photo Credit: Jim Young/Reuters)
