THE BULLPEN

The crack of the bat, the thrill of the hit! Your Pittsburgh Pirates begin a 3-game series tonight at PNC Park against the Houston Asstros. These are your keys to tonight's game. 1)When leading after 8 innings, the Pirates are 23-0 this season. The shark tank smells blood! 2)It's a tale of 2 teams as the Pirates go for a season-high 4 wins in a row tonight, and 7 of their last 8. The Asstros are 3 of 7 in their last 10. Last season, the Pirates were 12-5 versus Houston, including 8 for 10 at home. There's no place like home! 3)Houston starter Jordan Lyles, 1-1, 8.36 ERA is 0-4 with a 7.77 ERA in 5 career starts against the Pirates. Hit him early, hit him often, hit him HARD. Let's see lots of Hit, Run, & Score, oh my! Let's Go Bucs!!!!!