/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63858797/1142486110.jpg.0.jpg)
The Pirates will be practicing the concept of ‘Bullpenning’ by using Montana DuRapau as ‘The Opener’. Interestingly enough, Pittsburgh experimented with this option as far back as 1990 when Ted Power started Game 6 of the 1990 NLCS.
This will be the first game DuRapau has started since 2011.
Adam Frazier, Colin Moran, and Kevin Newman return to the lineup tonight to face Padres southpaw starter Nick Margevicius, who has allowed eight runs on 15 hits during his last two starts.
It will be curious to see how Clint Hurdle strategizes tonight. How long will DuRapau go? Will he use a starter at some point? More importantly, if The Opener struggles, how will that affect his game plan?
First pitch is scheduled for 8:40 EST.
Lineups
Pirates
2B Adam Frazier
CF Starling Marte
RF Gregory Polanco
1B Josh Bell
LF Bryan Reynolds
C Elias Diaz
3B Colin Moran
SS Kevin Newman
P Montana DuRapau
Padres
2B Ian Kinsler
RF Franmil Reyes
SS Manny Machado
1B Eric Hosmer
LF Hunter Renfroe
3B Ty France
CF Wil Myers
C Austin Hedges
P Nick Margevicius