The Pittsburgh Pirates and the Washington Nationals wrap up their four-game series on Thursday night. MLB.TV will provide the action for free online. Let's look at the pitching matchups as the Pirates look to sweep the Nationals as first pitch is set for a couple of minutes after 12:35 p.m. ET.
A.J. Burnett take the hill for the Pirates. His 4-7 record is deceiving as the Pirate ace has a 3.07 ERA and a decent 1.22 WHIP. Burnett is hasn't allowed more than two runs in each of his last four starts, surrendering only seven earned runs in his last 24.2 innings. However, he is only 1-1 in that time frame.
Taking the hill for the Nats will be Gio Gonzalez. After a rough start to his season, Gonzalez has settled done and returned to his 2012 form where he was one of the most dominant pitchers in the game. Gonzalez is 7-3 with a 2.89 ERA. He has won four of his last five decisions despite pitching a gem in his last start against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Gonzalez went six innings, allowing no runs, striking out 11 while only walking two batters.
The Nationals will look to end their losing skid behind Gonzalez after losing six straight games. Meanwhile, the Pirates will look to continue their winning ways after notching their fourth straight victory. Gonzalez will have to put an end to Pedro Alvarez's little home run streak. The Pirates slugger has hit home runs in consecutive games and Alvarez is one of the streakiest hitters in baseball. The Pirates are 19-6 when Alvarez homers in a game.
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You can also access the live stream through MLB.com's site, scrolling down through the game's list on the left and clicking on the television in the matchup box.
