On May 13, A.J. Burnett pitched in eight innings and allowed two earned runs, but did not earn a decision. Since that day, Burnett has won seven consecutive starts and has dropped his ERA from 5.12 to 3.24. In his latest start, Burnett allowed just two hits and held the Tigers scoreless through the six innings he pitched.
If Burnett earns his eighth consecutive win, it will be his ninth of the season and will potentially move him in to a tie for the eighth most wins in the MLB and the fifth most in the National League. To do so, he'll have out-pitch Kyle Kendrick of the Phillies.
Kendrick has struggled to start the 2012 season with a 2-7 record and 5.24 ERA. In his most recent start he allowed six hits and two earned runs in just four innings pitched as he earned a loss to the Rays. Now Kendrick will have to bounce back against a Pirates lineup that found success and racked up 11 runs in a win against the Phillies on Wednesday.
The first pitch at Citizens Bank Park is scheduled to be thrown at 1:05 p.m. ET and will be televised on CSN-Philadelphia and ROOT Sports.
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