Game Thread: Pirates look to a studly Williams to avoid being swept in Philly

After all the early season euphoria which we all suspected would not be long-lasted, the Pirates’ mast has snapped this week. Having lost each of the first three games in Philadelphia, they turn to Trevor Williams (3-1, 1.93) to stanch the flow. He be faced by second-year starter Nick Pivetta (1-0, 2.49)

Pivetta is a 25 year old, 6’5” 210 lb right-hander who made 26 starts a year ago in his rookie season, going 8-10 with a 6.02 ERA. However, in his career he does have 161 strikeouts in 154.2 innings, along with 59 walks. He does this with a 94.5 mph fastball that he throws nearly 65% of the time, mixing in a curve and slider.

The Pirates go with a semi-Sunday lineup. Sean Rodriguez continues to lead off and play second base, while David Freese gets a start at first base in place of Josh Bell, and Elias Diaz gets a rare start at catcher.

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PIRATES

1 R Sean Rodriguez 2B

2 L Gregory Polanco RF

3 R Starling Marte CF

4 L Corey Dickerson LF

5 R David Freese 1B

6 L Colin Moran 3B

7 R Jordy Mercer SS

8 R Elias Diaz C

9 R Trevor Williams RHP

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PHILLIES

1 S Cesar Hernandez 2B

2 S Carlos Santana 1B

3 L Odubel Herrera CF

4 R Rhys Hoskins LF

5 L Nick Williams RF

6 R Scott Kingery 3B

7 S Andrew Knapp C

8 R Nick Pivetta RHP

9 L J.P. Crawford SS