Pirates Seek Revenge Against Astros

The Pirates look for revenge from an earlier three game sweep by the Astros tonight at Minute Maid in Houston.  The Astros

have a one and a half game lead on the Bucs in the NL Central.

University of Houston product Brad Lincoln will go for the Pirates.  He is coming off a seven shutout inning performance against the Cubs in which he struck out six batters to get his first MLB win.

"“It’s going to be great not only to be pitching in my hometown, but also to get to see my family and hang out,” Lincoln on Pirates.com"

Houston will send white hot Wandy Rodriguez who has an 0.69 ERA in his last two starts.  Wandy’s ERA for the year is 5.30 thanks in large part to losing six of his prior seven starts.  Rodriguez cruised through the Bucs April lineup giving up two earned while whiffing seven.

OVERDUE?      Rodriguez has started five times against the Bucs in Houston – he’s gone 3-0 with a 3.26 ERA.

HOT:  Pedro Alvarez is 8-for-his last 24 with two homeruns.  The Pirates

NOT:  Jose Tabata (5-for-24), Andrew McCutchen (5-for-21), and Garrett Jones (5-for23) are a combined 15 for their last 68.   Fortunately, the hits have been timely for the Pirates.