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The Pittsburgh Pirates are running out of runway. Friday night at home opens a critical three-game set against the New York Mets, and Pittsburgh's postseason hopes need a serious jolt. This is the kind of series that defines a season, and the Pirates know it.
Meanwhile in Philadelphia, the surging Phillies are sending their ace to the mound as Zack Wheeler takes on a Toronto Blue Jays squad that has been absolutely ground down by travel. Three road games, three days, three different cities — Toronto is running on fumes, and Wheeler is one of the last pitchers you want to face when you're exhausted.
Out in Seattle, the Mariners kick off a weekend series against the AL-leading Tampa Bay Rays on Friday Night Baseball, and this one carries serious weight. Tampa Bay has been the standard-setter in the American League all season, and Seattle needs a statement performance to prove they belong in that conversation.
That's your play-by-play. Sports Desk, back to the booth.
