Game Thread: Can the Pirates offense rise to the challenge?

The Pittsburgh Pirates will look to cool off red-hot Milwaukee Brewers’ starer Brandon Woodruff (7-1, 3.22 ERA), who hasn’t allowed more that two earned runs in his last six starts.

Woodruff should challenge the Pirates’ hitters but he’s not unbeatable. Josh Bell has a .400 batting average against Woodruff, though its only five plate appearances. Bell can make things happen against any pitcher and he’ll be the guy to set the tone of the game.

The Pirates will need a strong start from Nick Kingham (1-1, 8.38 ERA), who is getting another shot at staying in the rotation after gave up three earned runs in four-plus innings in his last start. Three runs might be all Milwaukee needs today unless the offense can give Kingham some breathing room.

Game time is scheduled for 4:05 EST.

Lineups

Brewers

CF Lorenzo Cain

RF Christian Yelich

LF Ryan Braun

3B Mike Moustakas

C Yasmani Grandal

2B Keston Hiura

1B Eric Thames

SS Orlando Arcia

P Brandon Woodruff

Pirates

SS Kevin Newman

RF Gregory Polanco

CF Starling Marte

1B Josh Bell

LF Melky Cabrera

3B Colin Moran

C Elias Diaz

2B Adam Frazier

P Nick Kingham