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The Pirates haven't had an easy schedule or an easy time in the early part of their season, taking two of three from the Phillies at home before dropping five of six to the Dodgers and Giants on the road. Their tough West Coast swing continues Monday night at 9:40 as they begin yet another road series, this time against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
The first game might be the most winnable of the three. The Pirates start Erik Bedard, who is 0-2 but has had one great start (on Opening Day against Philadelphia) and one decent one. Arizona starts back-of-the-rotation workhorse Joe Saunders.
Arizona is off to a 6-3 start thanks in part to outfielder Chris Young, who has four homers and three doubles so far. The team won 94 games last season and probably ought to be considered this year's frontrunner in the N.L. West.
For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout. For more on the Diamondbacks, there's AZ Snakepit.