Game Thread: Nova, Pirates Go For Five Straight

The Pirates will try to beat the rain and push their winning streak to five Wednesday afternoon when Ivan Nova (7-9, 4.35) takes on Wei-Yin Chen (6-9, 4.64) at 1:05 p.m..

Nova missed his last turn in the order to deal with a personal matter. He was lit up in his last start against the Cardinals on Aug. 28, allowing four runs in 3.2 innings, snapping a streak of three straight quality starts. He’s been hurt by the long ball lately, allowing four in his last three outings and 24 on the season. The good news for him is nobody in the Marlins’ lineup Saturday has more than 11 home runs on the season.

Chen has been a roll since August, recording a 1.44 ERA with 30 strikeouts over his last five starts (31.1 IP, 5 ER). He has struggled mightily on the road though, posting a 9.35 ERA in his 10 starts away from Miami.

Jordan Luplow will start in left field and Pablo Reyes will replace Gregory Polanco in right. Jose Osuna will be making his first big league start at third base.

Kevin Newman will get the start at shortstop. While he’s struggling at the dish in the majors, a start against a southpaw may be just what he needs. He slashed .336/.383/.483 against lefties in AAA this year.

Be sure to get your Nightmare bobblehead if you’re at the park!

Lineups

Marlins

SS Miguel Rojas

2B Starlin Castro

3B Brian Anderson

CF Lewis Brinson

LF Austin Dean

1B Peter O’Brien

C Bryan Holaday

RF Magneuris Sierra

P Wei-Yin Chen

Pirates

2B Adam Frazier

CF Starling Marte

LF Jordan Luplow

1B Josh Bell

3B Jose Osuna

RF Pablo Reyes

SS Kevin Newman

C Jacob Stallings

P Ivan Nova