DETROIT — With Gregory Polanco coming off a 3-for-4 performance Wednesday night, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle stayed with the hot hand Thursday and started Polanco against a left-handed pitcher for just the second time this season.
Polanco’s good swings, however, did not carry over to Thursday. He struck out twice against Detroit Tigers starter Kyle Ryan and later struck out against reliever Blaine Hardy, another left-hander, before rounding out his unremarkable day with two walks.
Hurdle hoped the move could get Polanco going against left-handers.
“We’re going to find out,” Hurdle said before the game.