Pirates vs. Diamondbacks - 8/25/21

Arizona Diamondbacks (42-85) vs. Pittsburgh Pirates (46-80), August 25, 2021 @ 7:05 p.m.

Location: PNC Park, Pittsburgh, PA

TV: AT&T SportsNet Pittsburgh

Radio: KDKA-AM/FM

Diamondbacks SB Nation Site: AZ Snake Pit

Starting Pitchers

Diamondbacks: Tyler Gilbert (1-1, 2.04 ERA)

Pirates: Bryse Wilson (2-5, 4.82 ERA)

Probable Starting Lineups (subject to last-minute changes)

Diamondbacks

1. Josh Rojas (SS)
2. Ketel Marte (CF)
3. Pavin Smith (RF)
4. Christian Walker (1B)
5. Josh VanMeter (2B)
6. David Peralta (LF)
7. Daulton Varsho (C)
8. Drew Ellis (3B)
9. Tyler Gilbert (P)

Pirates

1. Michael Chavis (2B)
2. Ke’Bryan Hayes (3B)
3. Bryan Reynolds (CF)
4. Yoshi Tsutsugo (1B)
5. Jacob Stallings (C)
6. Kevin Newman (SS)
7. Gregory Polanco (RF)
8. Anthony Alford (LF)
9. Bryse Wilson (P)

The Pirates find themselves poised for yet another series sweep tonight, but executing the sweep is much easier said than done.

The good thing is that Derek Shelton actually sent out a lineup that could pull through and do this. Stallings back for a third consecutive day, Chavis sitting atop the lineup after a great day at the plate yesterday, and Kevin Newman moves up to sixth in the order after making more consistent contact.

What I fear is what was brought up during the telecast yesterday: the Pirates have had 69 consecutive games without multiple errors. The Pirates’ defense has been pretty good lately, but I don’t want to sit comfortably when a potential jinx is discussed.

Bryse Wilson was activated from the 10-day injured list earlier today and was named the starting pitcher for tonight, while J.T. Brubaker took his place with an undisclosed injury.

Say what you want about the Pirates winning games — whether it’s good to see them winning or bad for the tank — but it would feel REALLY good if we can pull off the sweep tonight.