Houston vs. Pittsburgh, 6:05 PM CT
TV: CSN Houston
Radio: KBME 790 AM
Pirates SBNation Blog: Bucs Dugout
Pitching Match
LHP Erik Bedard (0-2, 6.67 ERA / 1.67 WHIP) vs. RHP A.J. Burnett (3-4 / 2.73 ERA / 1.07 WHIP)
Preview
As each game passes, the Astros find a way to reach new lows for the season. Last night's walk-off error is hopefully the lowest point of this season. Jose Altuve returns to the lineup today to get the Astros back on track.
Erik Bedard returns to Pittsburgh, he made 24 starts as a Pirate in 2012. Bedard's record in those starts where 7-14 with a 5.01 ERA. Bedard's record at PNC in 2012 was 4-5 with a 3.26 ERA. After being relegated to the bullpen for one appearance, he returned to the rotation to face the Rangers earlier this week. In that start Bedard worked five innings and only gave up two runs to the Rangers' high-powered offense. Bedard's record at PNC in 2012 was 4-5 with a 3.26 ERA. Andrew McCutchen kept up his hot streak against Jordan Lyles (.615 BA before last night) last night going 3 for 5 with a home run.
A.J. Burnett is an enigma on the mound, he has the "stuff" to make him one of the best pitchers in baseball but it has never materialized. After three seasons in New York with an ERA around 5.00, Burnett took his talents to Pittsburgh. In the steel city, Burnett has turned a corner posting a 3.34 ERA as a Pittsburgh starter. He has allowed only 6 runs over his last 3 starts (21 innings). Trevor Crowe gets the start today with a lifetime average of .714 against Burnett.