Game Thread: Musgrove vs Bieber (but not that Bieber)

The Pirates will go for their longest winning streak of the millenium Tuesday night when Joe Musgrove (3-4, 4.08) takes the hill in Cleveland against Shane Bieber (5-1, 3.53) at 7:05 p.m..

The Pirates’ current winning streak of 10 games is their longest since 2004. They have not won 11 straight games since Sept. 1996.

Cleveland will start Bieber. While his major league career started strong, the rookie may have had to say “Sorry” a couple times over these last few starts. “What do you mean,” you may ask? “I’ll show you.” In his last three outings, Cleveland’s new “Baby” pitcher has been lit up for 11 runs and 10 extra-base hits in 19 IP. It didn’t just happen “One Time,” either. Bieber has allowed at least three runs in each of his three last outings.

One of the Pirates’ hottest hitters of late is Josh Bell. Bell is slashing .455/.550/.606 with seven walks, nine runs scored and five RBI during the 10 game winning streak. Not surprisingly, he’s been hitting the ball hard. Of the 27 balls he’s put in play during this stretch, 15 have had an exit velocity over 95 MPH.

Lineups

Pirates

LF Corey Dickerson

CF Starling Marte

RF Gregory Polanco

C Elias Diaz

DH Colin Moran

1B Josh Bell

3B David Freese

2B Josh Harrison

SS Jordy Mercer

Indians

SS Francisco Lindor

LF Michael Brantley

3B Jose Ramirez

DH Edwin Encarnacion

1B Yonder Alonso

RF Melky Cabrera

C Yan Gomes

CF Tyler Naquin

“Love Yourself.”