Series Preview: Rangers at Pirates

The Pirates (16-15) needed six and seven runs, respectively, to outscore the Rangers (16-16) in a pair of games in Texas last week. Now, dealing with some injuries, the Bucs will send Steven Brault and Nick Kingham to the hill to face the league’s highest-scoring offense a week later, albeit in a more pitcher-friendly environment. Texas will send the same two starters, Adrian Sampson and Shelby Miller, who faced the Pirates in the previous series.

The Pirates have won four of five, including the pair at Texas last week. After that they took two of three from the Athletics.

The Rangers hosted Toronto over the weekend, winning two of three games. If there’s anything to update on Texas since last week, it’s that the bullpen had a better go of it over the weekend. That includes Jose Leclerc, who was removed from the closer role last week.

Season Series: 2-0 Pirates

At Texas

April 30: Pirates 6, Rangers 4, 11 innings

May 1: Pirates 7, Rangers 5

Schedule

Tuesday, 7:05 p.m. — Adrian Sampson (0-1, 3.58 ERA) vs. Steven Brault (0-1, 8.31), TV: AT&T SportsNet

Wednesday, 12:35 p.m. — Shelby Miller (1-2, 7.99) vs. Nick Kingham (1-0, 6.39), TV: AT&T SportsNet