Erik Bedard takes on Chad Billingsley as the Pirates continue their road series against the Los Angeles Dodgers Wednesday night at 10:10 (ROOT Sports).
The Pirates lost 2-1 in the first game of the series as Clayton Kershaw struck out seven batters. The Bucs’ offense has only scored eight runs in the first four games of the season. Of course, having to face Kershaw, Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee has had something to do with that.
Billingsley isn’t in that class, but he isn’t a pushover either. He typically posts strong strikeout numbers, though he also typically struggles with walks. His first start of the season, last Friday against the Padres in pitcher-friendly PETCO Park, was brilliant — he struck out 11 batters and walked only one in 8.1 scoreless innings.
Bedard was awfully good himself in his first outing, using a great breaking ball to strike out four while allowing just one run in seven innings on Opening Day. The Pirates ended up losing 1-0.
To follow the game with fellow Pirates fans, check out Bucs Dugout. For more on the Dodgers, there’s True Blue LA.