Bucs Take Show On The Road!

After an impressive 2-1 homestand and opening series against the Philadelphia Phillies the Pirates head to the west coast to face the Los Angeles Dodgers. As if the task wasn't hard enough over the weekend facing Roy Halladay and Cliff Lee, the Pirates now have to go against Clayton Kershaw who is just as impressive.

Last season the Dodgers pitcher Kershaw was 21-5 with a 2.28 ERA. Kershaw had five complete games, while recording two shutouts in those five complete games. With the Pirates offense being basically non-existent this season, the task looks very hard for the Pirates today.

Off to a very slow start is Pirates premier second basemen Neil Walker. After a stellar 2010 campaign and a all-star like start to the first half of the 2011 season, Walker has seen his numbers drop off dramatically. Walker is only batting .100 to start off the season. He is 1 for 10 in the batters box thus far. If the Pirates are going to make a run at winning the division at all this season, Walker will need to get back to form and help carry the Pirates offense.

Pitching, that is the one thing that has gotten the Pirates off to a 2-1 start. Even though Erik Bedard got the loss on opening day, he pitched with amazing control and only gave up one run in seven innings. His ERA is 1.29, best so far on the team for starting pitchers. The starting pitching has been impressive thus far, but so has the Pirates bullpen. Yes the season is early, but the Pirates 1.29 team ERA is best in the entire majors!

Kevin Correia gets the nod for the Bucs today. Last season Correia was 12-11 with a 4.79 ERA. Correia had an impressive first half of the 2011 season and even made the National League All-Star team. After the All-Star break, Correia watched his ERA rise. Kevin Correia pitched better on the road last season. Hopefully since Correia's first game this season is away from PNC Park, he will pitch with the control and finesse Clint Hurlde believes he can. If Kevin Correia can gain the win today, he would be the first Pirates starting pitcher this season to record a win. So far Juan Cruz (1-0) and Joel Hanrahan (1-0) picked up both of the Pirates victories coming out of the bullpen.

So here's today's matchup. Pittsburgh Pirates (2-1) (1.29 Team ERA) @ Los Angeles Dodgers (3-1) (3.65 Team ERA). Probable Starters: PIT: Kevin Correia (0-0 0.00 ERA) vs. Clayton Kershaw (0-0 0.00 ERA).