The Pirates are set to open a three game homestand against the Eastern division Washington Nationals. Most seasons a matchup of these two teams wouldn't even get a slot on Baseball Tonight. Now, the Nationals will bring their first place team into the steel city featuring two of the games young stars.
Stephen Strasburg, who made his debut against the Pirates in 2010 recording 14 strikeouts, will pitch the final game of the series and brings in a record of 2-0 and an ERA of 1.66. After making the most anticipated pitching debut in modern history, Strasburg missed the entire 2011 season with a torn ligament in his elbow. He has returned even better than ever and has already established himself as one of the league's best pitchers.
Along with Strasburg, 2010's first overall selection Bryce Harper will make his first career start in Pittsburgh. Filling in for the injured Ryan Zimmerman, Harper has ignited the National lineup with his unique combination of speed and power. Selected before the Pirates' Jameson Taillon, Bryce Harper was featured in magazines across the country since he was 14 or 15 years old. Considered the best hitting prospect in recent memory, Harper will become the youngest player to ever start at PNC Park.
The Pirates and Nationals split their 8 game series last season with the Buccos taking 2 of 3 at home. The Nationals are 18-12 and sitting atop the Eastern Division after winning 4 of their last 5 ballgames. The Pirates, dropping 2 consecutive series', are 12-16 sitting in 5th place in the Central division.
With Andrew McCutchen likely out of the lineup Tuesday, the Pirates will look to their starting pitching to keep them in this series. A.J. Burnett will look to rebound from his worst career start in Tuesday's game, with Erik Bedard and Kevin Correia to finish the series. Pedro Alvarez and Jose Tabata will look to continue their month of May hot streaks as Clint Hurdle will try to address the defensive relapse as the Pirates will look to get hot in the midst of a small homestretch .
Pitching Matchups
Tuesday- Edwin Jackson 1-1 3.69 ERA vs. AJ Burnett 1-2 8.04 ERA
Wednesday- Ross Detwiler 3-1 1.59 ERA vs. Erik Bedard 2-4 2.65 ERA
Thursday- Stephen Strasuburg 2-0 1.66 ERA vs. Kevin Correia 1-2 3.38 ERA
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