Game Thread: Taillon looks to keep on rolling

The 75-74 Pirates, winners of their last three games, play host for the second of three games against the 52-98 Kansas City Royals. Jameson Taillon (13-9, 3.37) leads the Pirates vs rookie left-hander Eric Skoglund (1-5, 6.19)

Drafted in the third round in 2014 out of the University of Southern Florida, the 6-6, 180 pound Skoglund made his debut last year, allowing a 9.50 ERA in 18 innings covering five starts. This will be his 16th start of 2018, where he has yet to enjoy much success.

Taillon meanwhile since May 22 has allowed three of fewer runs in each of those 19 starts, with a 2.86 ERA in that stretch.

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ROYALS

(edited for late scratch of C Perez)

1 R Whit Merrifield 2B

2 S Adalberto Mondesi SS

3 L Alex Gordon LF

4 R Jorge Bonifacio RF

5 L Ryan O’Hearn 1B

6 R Alcides Escobar 3B

7 L Brian Goodwin CF

8 L Meibrys Viloria C

9 L Eric Skoglund LHP

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PIRATES

1 R Pablo Reyes RF

2 Starling Marte CF

3 S Josh Bell 1B

4 R Francisco Cervelli C

5 R Jordan Luplow LF

6 R Jose Osuna 3B

7 R Josh Harrison 2B

8 R Jordy Mercer SS

9 R Jameson Taillon RHP