CINCINNATI -- For the second straight game, the Pirate starting pitcher will bat eighth instead of ninth tonight.

Zach Duke is in the lineup in the eighth spot behind third baseman Jose Bautista and ahead of shortstop Jack Wilson.

Monday night, starter Paul Maholm batted eighth -- the first time a Pirate starting pitcher batted higher than ninth since starter Luis Arroyo batted seventh April 18, 1957.

Could this become the norm for manager John Russell?

"We'll look at it," Russell said. "I'm not saying I'm going to do it every game, but it was fun to watch."