This is a 5* BIG-CHALK CHOKE-OUT on the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The visitors hand the ball to Chase Anderson (5-5, 4.31 ERA), who was shelled for five runs off nine hits over five innings in a 7-6 loss to the Phillies on Wednesday. The hard-throwing right-hander has lost three of his last four starts overall and owns a poor 4.25 ERA on the road this season. The home side counters with Francisco Liriano (8-6, 3.19 ERA), who comes into this one off a victory, giving up three runs off six hits over six innings, while also striking out five vs. the Cardinals on Thursday. The crafty veteran southpaw has to be feeling pretty confident that he can continue the momentum rolling here as he's posted a very respectable 3.00 ERA in front of the home town crowd this season. Look for Liriano and the PIRATES to make the most of this mismatch and lay the price with confidence.

AAA Sports