After two losses in two games to the 53-86 Cubs, the Pirates -- who still have a decent shot at a playoff berth despite a month of poor results -- will get a final shot against the Cubs on Sunday.
Chris Rusin will take on Jeff Locke in a contest that will begin at 1:35. We've seen in the past that a weak opposing pitcher is no guarantee of success when the Bucs are struggling offensively, but Rusin at least gives the Pirates' floundering offense a chance. The 25-year-old spent most of the season at Class AAA Iowa, where he accumulated a none-too-impressive total of 94 strikeouts and 53 walks in 140.1 innings.
Brock Holt 2B
Starling Marte LF
Andrew McCutchen CF
Garrett Jones RF
Gaby Sanchez 1B
Pedro Alvarez 3B
Michael McKenry C
Clint Barmes SS
Jeff Locke P
The Pirates, meanwhile, will also have Chad Qualls at their disposal, as the reliever returns from the disabled list. Who knows why they'd want him, though.
For more on the Pirates, check out Bucs Dugout. For more on the Cubs, there's Bleed Cubbie Blue.