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Pirates at Tigers, 4/22/21

Who will take the rubber game in this series?

By Patricia Beninato
MLB: Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
Are you a good Mitch or a bad Mitch?
Mark Alberti-USA TODAY Sports

Pittsburgh Pirates (8-10) at Detroit Tigers, Thursday, April 22, 2021 @ 1:10 pm

Location: Comerica Park, Detroit MI

TV: AT&T Sports Pittsburgh

Radio: KDKA-FM 93.7 The Fan

Tigers SB Nation Site: Bless You Boys

Starting Pitchers

Pirates - Mitch Keller - RHP - 1-2, 8.74 ERA, 12 K

Tigers - José Ureña - RHP - 0-3, 5.52 ERA, 17 K

Probable Starting Lineups (subject to change)

Pirates

  1. Adam Frazier (2B)
  2. Phillip Evans (LF)
  3. Bryan Reynolds (CF)
  4. Colin Moran (1B)
  5. Erik Gonzalez (3B)
  6. Todd Frazier (DH)
  7. Gregory Polanco (RF)
  8. Jacob Stallings (C)
  9. Kevin Newman (SS)

Tigers

  1. Robbie Grossman (DH)
  2. Willi Castro (2B)
  3. Jeimer Candelario (3B)
  4. Wilson Ramos (C)
  5. Jonathan Schoop (1B)
  6. Nikko Goodrum (SS)
  7. Akil Baddoo (LF)
  8. Victor Reyes (RF)
  9. JaCoby Jones (CF)

——————————————————————————————————————————————

Another Thursday, another day game. This time, it’s the rubber match in this interleague series between the Pirates and the Tigers. The teams split the unexpected doubleheader yesterday, with the Bucs taking the first game 3-2 behind strong performances by starter Tyler Anderson and relievers Kyle Crick and Richard Rodriguez. Miguel Yajure made his Pirates MLB debut in the nightcap. Good news—he only gave up four hits. Bad news—two of them were solo homers. Detroit’s starter Spencer Turnbull turned in a gem with just two hits and six strikeouts, and the Tigers won 5-2.

Also, if I’m doing the game thread, it must mean that Mitch Keller is pitching for the Bucs today. As I posted in today’s photo caption, is he going to be a good Mitch or a bad Mitch? In his last outing against the Padres, he was a very bad Mitch, giving up seven earned runs and only striking out one. People have had houses dropped on them for less. I imagine Derek Shelton and Oscar Marin will be paying close attention to him today to see if it’s just inconsistency or a deeper problem.

The Tigers’ starter, José Ureña, hasn’t been that great either; at least Keller’s won a game. However, it was poor run support on the Tigers’ part that doomed his last start against the A’s on the 16th, as he was somewhat okay, pitching seven innings with seven hits, two earned runs, two walks, and eight strikeouts.

As always, the comment section is open for your best GIFs and debates. LET’S GO BUCS!

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