Even though the Pirates have taken the first two games from the Red Sox in this three-game set with relative ease, the third game of this series is arguably the most important to the Bucs. A win tonight guarantees that the Pirates host the Brewers with at least a 2 1/2 game lead, which would put all the pressure in the world on the Brewers at PNC this weekend. I know the two teams’ recent history, but that’s not an enviable position given the way that the Pirates have been playing lately and the way that they play at PNC in general.
Gerrit Cole starts for the Bucs tonight. He’s been OK but inconsistent since returning from the disabled list. If the Pirates are going to be anything more than a wild card team this year, they need Gerrit Cole to better than OK but inconsistent. Brandon Workman starts for the Red Sox. He’s had a rough season. Jordy Mercer is back in the starting lineup tonight. First pitch is at 7:05.
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