Game Thread: Jamo tries to grab the rubber match in San Diego

Despite not being a native of San Diego, Jameson Taillon (5-6, 3.96) heads to the mound in an attempt to take two of three from the Padres. He’ll be faced by right-hander Tyson Ross (5-5, 3.32)

The 31 year old Ross has faced the Pirates once this year, allowing a pair of runs in six innings on May 12 at PNC Park, as the Padres won 3-2. He’s been especially tought on right-handed batters this year, allowing only a 155/244/270 batting line, compared to 287/359/455 by opposing lefties. Ross’ fastball is down to 90.4 mph, but his season averages of 3.3 walks and 8.5 strikeouts per nine innings are slightly better than his career rates of 3.8 and 8.4. He throws the four-seam fastball 35%, two-seam 23% and slider 38%.

Perhaps in reply to Ross’ wide platoon splits, Austin Meadows will play center in place of the right-handed swinging Starling Marte, but Jordy Mercer is in at short as Max Moroff watches from the bench.

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PIRATES

1 L Austin Meadows CF

2 S Josh Bell 1B

3 R Josh Harrison 2B

4 L Colin Moran 3B

5 L Corey Dickerson LF

6 R Elias Diaz C

7 L Gregory Polanco RF

8 R Jordy Mercer SS

9 R Jameson Taillon RHP

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PADRES

1 R Manuel Margot CF

2 R Wil Myers LF

3 L Eric Hosmer 1B

4 R Hunter Renfroe RF

5 L Cory Spangenberg 3B

6 R Carlos Asuaje 2B

7 S Freddy Galvis SS

8 R A.J.Ellis C

9 R Tyson Ross RHP