Game time: 8:05PM ET
Probable starters:
PIT: Chad Kuhl (2-6, 5.46 ERA)
MIL: Mike Leake (5-6, 3.03 ERA)
Sunday's start will not only be a chance for Mike Leake to defeat Chad Kuhl and the Pirates for the second time this season, but it will also provide the Cardinals right-hander an opportunity to get back in the win column and continue his career dominance against the Pirates, who will be seeking a sweep of the three-game series in St. Louis.
Leake (5-6, 3.03 ERA) has found more success against the Bucs in his career than any other team he has faced on a consistent basis. In 29 starts, he is 10-5, his most wins against any opponent, and has a 3.29 ERA, which is tied for his best ERA vs. teams he has started against 10 or more times.
He has struggled recently, however, and is in the midst of a four-game losing streak. Another loss would tie his career-high losing streak, which took place over six starts from April 10-May 11, 2012. Leake was solid in his last start in Philadelphia, tossing six innings of one-run ball, but he earned a no-decision. He lost each of his four starts prior to that outing vs. the Phillies.
In his first outing against the Pirates on April 18, Leake pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up seven hits, but only one run. He got the win, 2-1, over Kuhl at Busch Stadium, with the Pirates right-hander pitching six innings, allowing three hits and two runs on 72 pitches.
Kuhl (2-6, 5.46 ERA) won his second game of the season in his last start vs. the Brewers, but he was struggling coming into the game, having lost his previous six decisions. In just three career starts against the Cardinals, Kuhl is 0-2 with a 4.85 ERA.
Things to know about this game
• Yadier Molina did not start the first two games of the series due to left knee soreness. The catcher was hit by a foul tip in his last start against the Phillies on Thursday and may be able to return Sunday. He is in the midst of a 10-game hitting streak.
• Andrew McCutchen has been performing well for the Pirates of late and has reached base safely in 14 of his last 15 games, with five homers and 15 RBIs. Over his career, however, the outfielder has slashed .263/.330/.363 against Leake.
• Kuhl has not pitched more than five innings in a game since that April 18 start vs. Leake and the Cards. The Pirates are 14-22 when a starter goes fewer than six innings.
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/201706242 ... _pk=491240
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