The Pittsburgh Pirates have announced their lineup for the Wild Card Game.
1. Josh Harrison – 3B
2. Jordy Mercer – SS
3. Andrew McCutchen – CF
4. Russell Martin – C
5. Starling Marte – LF
6. Neil Walker – 2B
7. Gaby Sanchez – 1B
8. Travis Snider – RF
9. Edinson Volquez – RHP
No big surprises here. With the lefty, Madison Bumgarner on the mound, the Pirates are loading up on guys who hit lefties well. That explains Sanchez getting the start at first base. The Pirates have also stacked the top of the order with their best hitters against lefties this year, with Harrison, Mercer, and McCutchen leading the way. Travis Snider is the only lefty in the lineup, although he has performed well against left-handers this year.
Here is the Giants lineup.
1. Gregor Blanco – CF
2. Joe Panik – 2B
3. Buster Posey – C
4. Pablo Sandoval – 3B
5. Hunter Pence – RF
Brandon Belt – 1B
7. Brandon Crawford – SS
8. Travis Ishikawa – LF
9. Madison Bumgarner – LHP