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Pirates Vs. Indians: Pittsburgh-Cleveland Rivalry On Display At Progressive Field

James McDonald will start the first of three games against Cleveland.

June 9, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher James McDonald (53) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
June 9, 2012; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher James McDonald (53) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE

The Pirates and Indians kick off a three-game set Friday at 7:15 at Progressive Field.

As Pittsburgh-Cleveland rivalries go, this one isn't exactly Steelers-Browns, what with the Pirates and Indians being in different leagues. And neither one of these teams is the Steelers -- they've both got winning records, but they've both scored fewer runs than they've allowed. But a three-game set against a Cleveland team is still a treat for Pittsburgh fans.

The Pirates' starter on Friday will be James McDonald, whose brilliant season was interrupted by a mediocre four-inning start in his last outing, against the Kansas City Royals. He'll face Justin Masterson, who's in the midst of a mediocre season. His last start against the Cardinals, however, was a strong one, as he struck out six batters and walked none in seven innings.

For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout. For more on the Indians, there's Let's Go Tribe.

Photographs by dizfunk used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.