Reds’ Adleman to get roughed up by Pirates?
As Pittsburgh continues to steamroll the competition, one of the most refreshing aspects about the team’s rise is the balance on display. It’s not solely the Andrew McCutchen Show, but rather a collective climb up the standings.
The Pirates welcome another ensemble effort in today’s series finale against the Reds, with a 1:35 p.m. ET first pitch at PNC Park. Oddsmakers at online sports book BetDSI list the host squad as a 1.5-run favorite. As for the over/under figure, that sits at 8.5 runs.
Thanks largely to a leadoff homer by John Jaso, not to mention multi-hit efforts from David Freese and Francisco Cervelli, Clint Hurdle’s club claimed its sixth straight decision last night. The Buccos (15-9) scored five runs or more for the seventh time in nine contests in the 5-1 victory. They’ve averaged 7.2 runs while batting .296 with 15 homers during this 8-1 stretch.
Conversely, things continue to spiral out of control for Cincinnati (9-15). Having watched his team drop eight of nine, manager Bryan Price must hand the ball to a virtual unknown in several hours. Class AAA product Tim Adleman gets the call in place of Raisel Iglesias, who continues to experience shoulder inflammation. Adleman, 28, went 2-0 with a 4.24 ERA in three starts for the Louisville Bats.
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Jeff Locke (1-2, 5.03), meanwhile, will try to keep the Reds’ lumber at bay. On Monday, the lefty allowed five hits and struck out eight over six scoreless innings at Coors Field. Needless to say, it was a stark contrast to the ugliness of the veterans’ first three assignments in 2016.
Cincy needs to get out of town in the worst way, but Adleman’s emergency arrival pretty much guarantees another painstaking afternoon in the Steel City. Hurdle could roll his B squad out there and still slay. He’ll lean on the regular personnel, though, to establish the tone heading into an important set against the Cubs.
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