Pirates Preview: Back Home to Start Long Homestand

The Pittsburgh Pirates were no-hit by three Chicago Cubs pitchers in a 12-0 loss at Wrigley Field on Wednesday night.

Shota Imanaga threw seven no-hit innings and relievers Nate Pearson and Porter Hodge finished the job for Chicago.

After an ugly loss, the Pirates (65-74) have a quick turnaround to start a 10-game homestand with the Washington Nationals (62-77) on Thursday night.

First pitch is set for 6:40 ET and the game will be aired on SportsNet Pittsburgh.

Weather

Temperatures around 80 degrees at the start of the game and sunny skies. Winds ESE at 6-7 mph.

The Pittsburgh Pirates Will Send Out LHP Bailey Falter (6-7, 4.41 ERA)

Falter will look to bounce back after a rough outing in Cleveland on Friday night. The Guardians tagged him for four runs on seven hits in four innings.

It was a rocky month for Falter, who posted a 6.53 ERA across five starts. With that being said, the left-hander owned a much more encouraging 3.03 ERA.

Opponents are hitting an impressive .327 against Falter over his last nine starts but he’s only allowed two home runs over that span.

Falter has had a lot of success in his career against the Nats. In seven previous matchups, he’s gone 3-0 with a 2.22 ERA.

The Washington Nationals Will Send Out RHP Jake Irvin (9-11, 4.08 ERA)

Irvin has had a solid season overall in his second year in the big leagues with Washington but it’s been a struggle for the better part of two months.

After lowering his season ERA to 2.80 with eight-shutout innings on the Fourth of July, Irvin is 2-5 with a 6.55 ERA over his last 1o starts. Opponents have slashed .305/.354/.566 against him during that time.

Irvin features a four-seamer, curveball, sinker, cutter and changeup. He uses the four-seamer and curve most frequently.

This will be his first start against the Pirates.

Nationals Hitters vs. Falter

• Luis García Jr.: 2 for 7, one double, four strikeouts
• Keibert Ruiz: 2 for 7, one strikeout
• CJ Abrams: 0 for 6, three strikeouts
• Ildemaro Vargas: 1 for 4, one RBI

Pirates Hitters vs. Irvin

• Bryan De La Cruz: 0 for 10, one strikeout
• Rowdy Tellez: 0 for 1, one walk, one strikeout

Tidbits

• The combined no-hitter was the first one thrown by the Cubs at Wrigley Field since 1972.
• Domingo Germán was charged with six runs in three innings in Wednesday’s loss. He has a 16.61 ERA (16er/8.2ip) after posting a 1.50 ERA through his first four appearances with the Pirates.
• The Pirates have allowed double-digit runs six times over their last 17 games.

Links

Perrotto: Pirates Disrespecting The Game of Baseball

Latest Loss Further Reminder Pirates Need Big Changes

Pirates Minor League Report: Carlson Reed Not Slowing Down

New Low: Shota Imanaga, Two Cubs Relievers Combine to No-Hit Pirates

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