Jameson Taillon (3-3, 3.39 ERA) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (67-64) meet Junior Guerra (7-3, 2.93 ERA) and the Milwaukee Brewers (57-76) in the first of a three-game division series at PNC Park. The game gets underway at 7:05 p.m. ET on Friday, Sep. 2 and will air on FSWI and RTPT.
In his last start, Taillon pitched 3.0 innings, giving up five runs, striking out three and walking two in a 9-6 victory over the Brewers. Gregory Polanco (.273, 70 Rs, 21 HRs, 79 RBIs, 12 SBs) went 1 for 5 Wednesday. The Brewers were unsuccessful the last time Guerra pitched. He did not do well, pitching 4.0 innings, allowing four runs, striking out five and walking three in a 12-3 loss to the Padres. Ryan Braun (.312, 67 Rs, 24 HRs, 74 RBIs, 14 SBs) went 1 for 4 Wednesday.
Notes
Milwaukee has won 42% (23-32) of its games when leading after seven innings. However, Pittsburgh has won 45% (27-33) of its games when taking a late lead.
The Brewers are coming off of a hot pitching game where they recorded nine strikeouts. The Pirates have a record of 30-33 when they are struck out that many times or more.
When they outhit their opponents, the Pirates are 43-11. The Brewers have a 45-9 record when outhitting opponents.
Ranking 24th, Milwaukee sits near the bottom of the league in runs, scoring 542 this season. Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom half at 16th with 593.
Ranking 21st, Milwaukee is near the bottom of the league for its on-base plus slugging percentage (.728). Pittsburgh ranks in the bottom half at 19th with an OPS of .731.
The Brewers are 35-58 in games where they allow one or more home runs. The Pirates are 36-51 when they allow at least one homer.
