PREVIEW: Indians look to avoid sweep by Pirates on Wednesday afternoon

CLEVELAND– The Indians (54-46) will try and avoid getting swept by the red hot Pittsburgh Pirates (53-49) on Wednesday afternoon.

Time: 1:10 p.m.

Starting Pitchers: CLE Trevor Bauer (2.44, 8-6) vs. PIT Jameson Taillon (3.80, 7-7)

TV:  SportsTime Ohio

Online: MLB.TV

Radio: WTAM 1100 AM, Indians Radio Network

1. Pirates keep on winning

The Pirates have won 11 games in a row, the first time in 22 years that a streak that length has happened in Pittsburgh. But they aren’t just beating teams by one or two runs recently– Since the All-Star break, they have outscored opponents 43-9, and have outscored the Indians 16-4 over the last two days.

2. The strength of the outfield

The top of Pittsburgh’s order, Corey Dickerson, Starling Marte and Gregory Polanco, has been absolutely dominant as an outfield unit at the plate. Over the last five games, they are hitting .382 (26-of-68) from the plate with nine home runs and 24 RBI.

3. Can Bauer stop the skid?

Trevor Bauer is coming off of a no-decision against the Rangers in his first start back following the All-Star Break. He gave up four runs on nine hits in just over four innings.

He will look to bounce back against a team that has a practically non-existent margin for error right now. For Bauer’s career he has a 2.66 ERA in 24 interleague starts.