Game 68: Pirates – Astros Preview

PIT James MCDonald (4-4, 4.80 ERA) vs Jordan Lyles (0-1, 4.15)

— The Pirates look for their first sweep and series victory against the Houston Astros since July 2008. With a victory today the Pirates will move 2 games over .500 for the first time this late in the season since July 2, 1999, when they were 40-38.

— James McDonald takes the mound for the Pirates, looking for his 5th win of the season. In his last outing (6/11 vs NYM), McDonald earned his 4th win of the season, allowing 8 hits and 2 runs in six innings pitched.

McDonald’s best start of the season came against the Astros at PNC Park on May 8, when he gave up three hits over six scoreless innings and struck out a season-high eight.

— Jordan Lyles (0-1, 4.15 ERA) will make his second career home start and is coming off a strong outing, limiting the Braves to 2 runs in 6 1/3 innings on 6/11.

— The Pirates enter today’s action with a Major League leading 2.79 ERA since May 18th, according to Stats.

— The Pirates had scored just 11 runs over their previous seven games before last night’s offensive breakout of 7 runs.

— Third baseman Josh Harrison returns to the lineup and will start at third base.

— Garrett Jones will make his first start of the season at first base.

— Andrew McCutchen leads the majors with a .489 average in the month of June. He will be looking to extend his hitting streak to 15 games today.

— Neil Walker coming off a three RBI game, is hitting .386 in his last 11 road games, according to Stats.

— Jose Tabata is 15-for-35 (.429) in his last 8 games. He has multi-hit games in 5 of his last 8.

1. Jose Tabata, LF

2. Xavier Paul, RF

3. Andrew McCutchen, CF

4. Neil Walker, 2B

5. Garrett Jones, 1B

6. Jose Harrison, 3B

7. Dusty Brown, C

8. Ronny Cedeno, SS

9. James McDonald, P