The Pittsburgh Pirates went 8-2 over their last ten games and are one of the hottest teams in the majors. They get a chance to gain on the division leader in the one non-interleague series this weekend as they play the Cubs. It's looking like a high scoring affair this afternoon as Tom Gorzelanny takes on Sean Gallagher. Both sport ERAs over 5.00. Sean hasn't pitched that much, but Tom has walked more batters than he's struck out, and almost one walk per inning.

Both the Yankees and Mets are off to disappointing starts as they square off in the Bronx. The Bombers find themselves in last place, while the Mets are only one game above .500. After lefty Scott Kazmir gave them trouble yesterday, the Yankees get to face Johan Santana. The Mets ace pitched very well during the regular season against the Yankees in his career, posting a 2.66 ERA. Rasner's been a bit of a savior so far, only allowing one walk in his first two starts.

Everyone will have an "A" on his cap tonight as the Braves host the Athletics. It's a battle of young pitchers acquired for veterans with Dana Eveland taking the hill against Jair Jurrjens. Eveland keeps the ball in the park as he's allowed just two home runs this season. Both of those came on the road, however, where his ERA is 4.88. Jurrjens owns the same strength, allowing just one long ball all season. His only one came at home, but his ERA in Atlanta stands at 1.96.

Somehow, I feel the need to include a pitching matchup between Shawn Chacon and Sidney Ponson in games of the day. It just proves that a pitching career is never really finished.

Finally, the all LA series features Hiroki Kuroda facing Joe Saunders. Kuroda's been very tough against the top of the order, allowing an .077 batting average in the first inning. Saunders is giving up fewer hits this season, bringing down his ERA. His line drive percentage is down to 13.5% from 20.7% last season. Line drives tend to turn into hits, so he's found some way to prevent batters from squaring up the ball.

Enjoy!

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