Game: Pirates (29-31) vs. Brewers (36-26)
Time: 4:05 p.m.
Site: PNC Park
TV, radio: Root Sports, KDKA-FM 93.7
Weather: High 70s and sunny
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PITTSBURGH -- Edinson Volquez returns to the mound this afternoon, following one of the best starts of his season against the Dodgers last Sunday. He is 2-0 with 16 strikeouts and a 2.81 ERA in his last three starts.
Manager Clint Hurdle said he has been a sponge so far, and wants to see continued improvement.
"The command, command of the fastball, No. 1 always, the downhill angle, getting the breaking ball and changeup in play early. Being able to throw them in offensive counts. Expanding the zone with two strikes," said Hurdle. "He was able to move a tick forward in all those areas against the Dodgers. Saw him early, just be very efficient, make pitches, hit the glove. We're working with a point now that when he's not hitting the glove he's got a plan B, a safety net, another way to go and compete. He's working very hard, getting better. He's been a sponge out there."
of NOTE
*There is some question about whether or not Charlie Morton will pitch his scheduled start Sunday. Asked if there was a rotation change, Hurdle replied: "We're working through it right now. Might be. Might not be. I need to talk to the principal's involved."
Asked if that was why LHP Jeff Locke was pulled from his Class AAA start last night, Hurdle said: "That would be something to ponder."
*Matt Garza has a career 1-2 record against the Pirates with a 4.36 ERA in six starts. His only previous start against Pittsburgh was a no decision on April 19. he gave up eight hits, five earned runs in 5 IP.
*Jose Tabata is in left field for Starling Marte, who has not started for the last four games now. "Tabata has good history against Garza and Marte’s got some work to do," said Hurdle.
LISTEN Here is audio from Clint Hurdle's chat with media today.
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From today's PG: Pirates crush Brewers 15-5
Pirates notebook: Mazzaro accepts demotion to Class AAA
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Lineups
Pirates:
- Harrison RF
- Walker 2B
- McCutchen CF
- Davis 1B
- Martin C
- Alvarez 3B
- Tabata LF
- Mercer SS
- Volquez RHP
Brewers:
- Segura SS
- Braun RF
- Lucroy C
- Gomez CF
- Ramirez 3B
- Davis LF
- Gennett 2B
- Overbay 1B
- Garza RHP
First Published: March 24, 2016, 5:09 p.m.