Gamethread: Undefeated Jordy Mercer takes on the Reds

Jordy Mercer looks to extend his season-opening unbeaten string to seven as the Pirates host the suddenly vulnerable Reds in a 7:05pm start. Chad Kuhl starts for the Pirates, who’ll face Sal Romano. As a rookie last year Romano went 5-8, 4.45, with a 4.47 xFIP and 7.6 K/9. He throws a mid-90s fastball that generates a lot of groundballs. He also throws a slider and a not-very-effective change. Against last year’s offense-free iteration of the Pirates, Romano had a 2.29 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in three starts.

Reds

1. Jesse Winker, RF
2. Eugenio Suarez, 3B
3. Joey Votto, 1B
4. Scooter Gennett, 2B
5. Adam Duvall, LF
6. Phillip Ervin, CF
7. Tucker Barnhart, C
8. Jose Peraza, SS
9. Sal Romano, P

Pirates

1. Josh Harrison, 2B
2. Adam Frazier, RF
3. Starling Marte, CF
4. Josh Bell, 1B
5. Corey Dickerson, LF
6. Elias Diaz, C
7. Colin Moran, 3B
8. Jordy Mercer, SS
9. Chad Kuhl, P