Houston @ Pittsburgh preview
PNC Park
Last Meeting ( May 13, 2012 ) Houston 2, Pittsburgh 3
It's easy to overlook a team that hasn't made the postseason in two decades, and it apparently is easy to forget about their ace when it comes time to pick the All-Star Game roster. The Pittsburgh Pirates and all-star snub James McDonald will try to continue making their case for more attention when they begin a four-game series at home against the Houston Astros.
The Pirates are just a game back of Cincinnati in the National League Central, though they had their four-game winning streak snapped Sunday at St. Louis. And they go into the all-star break with seven straight games at PNC Park, where their 23-13 mark is the best home record in the National League.
The Astros are headed in the wrong direction, having lost four straight, including a three-game sweep at the hands of the Chicago Cubs, who have the worst record in baseball. Houston's 9-28 road mark is the worst in the majors.
TV: 7:05 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Houston, ROOT Sports (Pittsburgh)
PITCHING MATCHUP: Astros RH Jordan Lyles (2-4, 4.59 ERA) vs. Pirates RH James McDonald (7-3, 2.44 ERA)
The 21-year-old Lyles has put together consecutive quality starts, though he took the tough-luck loss in one of them. He had one of his best outings of the year Tuesday against San Diego, allowing one run on six hits in 6 1/3 innings. He needs to cut down on his walks (20 in 51 innings) but is beginning to blossom into a solid starter.
McDonald gave up a pair of first-inning homers Wednesday at Philadelphia, but the Pirates gave him enough support to pick up his seventh win. He has won five of his last six decisions but lost his first start against Houston this season, falling in a 1-0 pitchers' duel despite striking out eight over eight innings of one-run ball.
WALK-OFFS:
1. Pirates OF Andrew McCutchen, an All-Star Game selection, missed Sunday's game with a wrist injury suffered making a diving catch a day earlier.
2. Astros OF/1B Carlos Lee reportedly refused to waive his no-trade clause for a deal that would have sent him to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Lee is hitting .285 with five home runs and 29 RBIs.
3. Pittsburgh C Michael McKenry is riding a seven-game hitting streak during which he is 11-for-25 (.440) with three home runs and nine RBIs.