Game Thread: Archer Day, Part III

Chris Archer (4-5, 4.36) will make his third start as a Pittsburgh Pirate Wednesday at 1:10 as the Bucs try to wrap up their nine game road trip with a winning record. Jose Berrios (11-8, 3.66) will go for the Minnesota Twins.

The Pirates have won the first two games Archer has started despite him going only a combined 9.1 innings and allowing seven runs (five earned). His calling card slider has been mixed in those first two starts. Of the 85 he’s thrown so far (which has been 44% of his pitches as a Buc), 13 have been whiffs, but he’s allowed 15 batted balls as well, three of which turned into doubles.

Berrios is having a strong season, but he’s run into control problems as of late. He walked just 30 batters his first 21 starts (2.01 BB/9), but he’s allowed a dozen free passes in his last three outings (6.89 BB/9).

Shortstop Jordy Mercer is not in the lineup after being pulled after the fourth inning Tuesday with left calf discomfort.

Starling Marte was originally in the lineup, but was a late scratch due to an illness.

Lineups

Pirates

LF Corey Dickerson

CF Adam Frazier

RF Gregory Polanco

1B Josh Bell

C Francisco Cervelli

DH Elias Diaz

2B Josh Harrison

3B Colin Moran

SS Adeiny Hechavarria

Twins

DH Joe Mauer

RF Eddie Rosario

SS Jorge Polanco

3B Miguel Sano

CF Max Kepler

2B Logan Forsythe

LF Jake Cave

1B Ehire Adrianza

C Bobby Wilson