After consecutive 6-0 defeats, the Pirates will attempt to show some sign on life Thursday night in their series finale against the Florida Marlins.
The Pirates were shut down on consecutive nights by Josh Johnson and Ricky Nolasco, mustering almost no offense in their past two games.
Starting for the Pirates will be James McDonald, who has struggled so far this season, allowing 12 runs combined in his last two starts, against the Rockies and Reds.
The Marlins' starter will be Chris Volstad, an enormous 6-foot-8 hurler who nonetheless isn't a power pitcher - his average fastball this year has been a little under 90 MPH. He allowed five runs in his last start, against the Braves, and has four strikeouts and six walks in two starts this season so far.
Andrew McCutchen, who missed Wednesday night's game because his father had been hospitalized, will rejoin the Pirates' lineup Thursday.
The Pirates will return home to begin a series against the Washington Nationals on Friday.