Game Thread: Williams v. Flaherty, Part IV

The 57-54 Pirates will take on the 57-54 Cardinals Sunday in the rubber match of a three game series. Trevor Williams (9-7, 3.89) will take the bump against Jack Flaherty (4-6, 3.49) at 1:35 p.m..

Williams is currently the Pirates’ hottest pitcher, not allowing a run over his last three starts (17 IP). It’s the longest scoreless streak by a Pirates pitcher since Jameson Taillon went 18.1 consecutive spotless frames last season. Before Taillon, it was Mark Melancon, who went 22.1 consecutive scoreless innings in 2015.

This is the fourth time this season Williams and Flaherty have faced off this year. The Pirates won the first two meetings on April 28 (6-2) and May 26 (4-1), but blew a ninth inning lead in a 10-8 loss on May 31. Despite winning more decisions, Williams has been out-pitched by Flaherty this year (Williams has a 6.60 ERA in 15 IP, while Flaherty has a 3.94 ERA in 16 IP).

In roster news, the Pirates optioned RHP Alex McRae to AAA Indianapolis and recalled RHP Casey Sadler.

And just for fun: on this date in Pirates history in 1969, Willie Stargell hit a 506 foot home run that left Dodger Stadium. It was the first home run to leave the stadium and still stands as the longest dinger in its history.

Lineups

Cardinals

1B Matt Carpenter

C Yadier Molina

RF Jose Martinez

LF Marcell Ozuna

3B Jedd Gyorko

2B Kolten Wong

SS Greg Garcia

CF Harrison Bader

P Jack Flaherty

Pirates

LF Corey Dickerson

CF Starling Marte

RF Gregory Polanco

C Francisco Cervelli

3B Colin Moran

2B Adam Frazier

1B Jose Osuna

SS Jordy Mercer

P Trevor Williams