Pirates Preview: Can Bucs Bats Bounce Back vs. Astros?

The Pittsburgh Pirates were shut out for the 10th time this season in their 3-0 loss to the Houston Astros at PNC Park on Tuesday night.

Paul Skenes allowed one run in 8.0 innings but suffered his sixth loss of the season as the offense manage only four hits.

The Pirates (22-39) will look for better results on Wednesday night as their series with the Astros (33-27) continues.

First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on SportsNet Pittsburgh and 93.7 The Fan.

Weather

Sunny skies. Temperatures in the 80s. Finally some baseball weather. Winds SW at 4-8 mph.

RHP Mike Burrows (0-1, 8.64 ERA) Will Start for the Pirates

Burrows made his second-career start on Tuesday against the Diamondbacks and allowed five runs (four earned) in 3.1 innings.

The right-hander made his first-career start — and season debut — on May 22 at PNC Park against the Brewers and allowed three runs in 5.0 innings.

Prior to getting recalled, Burrows went 2-1 with a 2.51 ERA across eight appearances/seven starts with Triple-A Indianapolis. At the time of his promotion, Burrows was ranked second in the International League with a 1.02 ERA in May.

This will be his first time facing the Astros.

RHP Ryan Gusto (3-2, 4.62 ERA) Will Start for the Astros

Gusto has bounced between the bullpen and starting rotation during his rookie season with the Astros. He’s made 13 appearances so far on the season, seven of which have been starts.

He’s been used a starting pitcher in each of his last two appearances and has a 4.50 ERA between those two starts (4er/8.0ip).

While the right-hander has been quite successful as a reliever (0.93 ERA), he has yet to find the same success when pitching as a starter (5.83 ERA). Opponents have a .922 OPS against him the second time through the order this season.

This will be his first appearance against Pittsburgh.

Astros Hitters vs. Burrows

• N/A

Pirates Hitters vs. Gusto

• N/A

Tidbits

• Paul Skenes has complete 8.0-plus innings three times in his career. After taking the loss on Tuesday night, he’s now 0-3 in those starts.
• Dennis Santana allowed a two-run home run in the ninth inning in the loss. It was the first home run he allowed since last season on Aug. 2, snapping a stretch of 49-straight appearances without allowing a home run.
• Isiah Kiner-Falefa collected two of the Pirates’ four hits. In 19 games since returning from the injured list, Kiner-Falefa is batting .353 (24 for 68) with an .874 OPS, six doubles, a home run, six RBI and three steals.

Links

‘It’s Been a Long Time Coming,’ Nick Gonzales Returns to Pirates Hoping to Provide Spark

The Pirates Have a Generational Starting Pitcher… and Are on Pace for One of Their Worst Seasons Ever

One Bad Pitch Costs Paul Skenes in Loss to Astros; Pirates Shut Out for 10th Time

Pirates Roster Moves: Nick Gonzales Returns From Injury

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