Game 108: Dodgers at Pirates

Pirates go for the series win.
Probables: Matt Latos (4-7, 4.29) vs. Francisco Liriano (7-6, 2.92)
Preview:
http://m.mlb.com/news/article/201508...game_pk=415298
"In second start since trade to Dodgers, Latos faces Pirates
By John McGonigal / MLB.com | + 0 COMMENTS
It's not as heralded as Gerrit Cole against Clayton Kershaw, but the Pirates and Dodgers will send out two pitchers quietly having strong seasons in the second game of their series at 4:05 p.m. ET on Saturday at PNC Park.
Pittsburgh southpaw Francisco Liriano has been one of the league's hardest pitchers to hit this year. Liriano's .201 opponent's batting average is the sixth-lowest in the league. Plus, the 31-year-old boasts a 2.03 ERA since the start of July.
Meanwhile, Dodgers right-hander Mat Latos, who was acquired before the non-waive Trade Deadline from the Marlins, has been difficult to solve recently despite less-than-stellar season numbers.
The 27-year-old carries a middling 4.29 ERA on the year, but owns a 1.73 mark in his last four starts. That includes his Dodgers debut in which he allowed one run on four hits over six innings of work.
Things to know about this game
• Pirates outfielder Gregory Polanco has hit leadoff home runs in back-to-back games -- something that hasn't been done by a Pittsburgh player since Nate McLouth in 2008. He'll try to make it three games in a row against Latos, who has surrendered four leadoff home runs over the course of his career. Polanco's leadoff shot on Friday came on the first pitch by Kershaw, ending the 37-inning scoreless streak by the Dodgers' ace left-hander.
• His success this year in keeping runners off base aside, Liriano has historically had trouble dealing with first-year Dodgers second baseman Howie Kendrick.
Kendrick, who faced Liriano relatively often when both were in the American League, has eight hits in 17 at-bats against the left-hander, including a home run.
• After Chris Stewart caught Cole on Friday, expect Pirates regular Francisco Cervelli to be back behind the plate on Saturday. The 29-year-old catcher is hitting .305 since the start of July, and has reached base safely in 13 of his last 14 games.
John McGonigal is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs."