The Pittsburgh Pirates will be trying to take the series from the Chicago White Sox, hoping to keep pace in the NL wild-card race.
The Pittsburgh Pirates were able to kick off their three-game series with the Chicago White Sox with a 9-3 win on Tuesday.
The offense was able to get going in this game, backed by a strong start from pitcher Bubba Chandler. Chandler went six innings, allowing just two runs on four hits, while striking out eight batters.
His performance was another strong outing from the right-hander, giving the Pirates a little hope that they could remain in the wild-card race in the National League. Pittsburgh enters the second game against the White Sox 5.5 games behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the final spot.
Pittsburgh has some work to do if they want to truly get back into the race, while also getting some help from the teams ahead of them. But this team has been more competitive than in recent years, and they are in the hunt with a few weeks left to go.
So, entering the second game against the White Sox, the team has revealed its lineup. Pittsburgh is hoping that the offensive output that they had in the first game can carry over into this one.
Leading off for the Pirates is Konnor Griffin, playing shortstop. Next is Brandon Lowe, taking on second base.
Hitting third will be Bryan Reynolds, playing in left field. Nick Gonzales will bat fourth, as the team's designated hitter in this game.
Oneil Cruz will play in center field, hitting fifth. Hitting sixth will be Esmerlyn Valdez, playing in right field.
Spencer Horwitz will take on first base duties here, batting seventh. Rafael Flores Jr. will be the catcher for the game, hitting in the eight hole.
And finally, Jacob Gonzalez will take on third base, hitting last.
On the mound for the Pirates will be Lake Bachar, who will likely be an opener in this game. The right-hander has a 3.59 ERA this season, making 47 appearances (eight starts).
Bachar was an opener in his last outing, going 2.1 innings against the San Francisco Giants. In this appearance, he didn't allow a hit or a run, striking out two batters.
If Pittsburgh can put together another strong showing, they should have a chance to win the game. But the White Sox are also fighting for their postseason lives, holding a slim two-game lead in the American League Central division.
First pitch for the game is expected to be at 4:40 p.m. PT/7:40 p.m. ET from Rate Field in Chicago,
