Game thread: Pirates vs. Mets, Part II

Chad Kuhl (5-5, 4.56) will try to get back on track Tuesday at 7:10 p.m.. against Steven Matz (3-5, 3.68) and the Mets.

Kuhl allowed eight earned runs in 2+ innings in last start against the Arizona Diamondbacks on June 21. Before that, he had been one of the most consistent pitchers in the Pirates’ rotation of late, earning a quality start in six of his previous eight appearances with a 2.89 ERA.

Pitch selection seems to be a contributing factor to his recent success. According to Brooks Baseball, in seven of those eight starts, his fastball usage was at his season average 59% or lower. (The one start where it was higher was a 4 run, 4.1 inning performance May 17). He had a higher fastball percentage than that in five of his first six starts and in his most recent outing against the Diamondbacks.

Matz is coming off a five run start in Colorado on June 21. The Mets have dropped seven straight, while the Pirates snapped their five game losing streak with their 6-4 win in New York Monday.

Pirates

CF Starling Marte

LF Austin Meadows

2B Josh Harrison

3B David Freese

C Elias Diaz

1B Jose Osuna

RF Gregory Polanco

SS Jordy Mercer

P Chad Kuhl

Mets

RF Jose Bautista

CF Michael Conforto

3B Todd Frazier

2B Asdrubal Cabrera

1B Wilmer Flores

LF Dominic Smith

C Kevin Plawecki

SS Jose Reyes

P Steven Matz