We're going to take a bit of a different turn with this series' "Here's what to look for." With very little recent history between the two clubs, the usual batter vs. pitcher matchups are pretty useless. So here are some random notes for the series:
Pitching matchups: Friday – Zach Duke (Pittsburgh) vs. Roy Halladay (Toronto); Saturday: Paul Maholm (Pittsburgh) vs. Jesse Litsch (Toronto); Sunday: Ian Snell (Pittsburgh) vs. Dustin McGowan (Toronto).
One thing to look for is how Toronto plays under new manager Cito Gaston, who was hired Friday afternoon to replace the fired John Gibbons. Gaston is the most successful manager in Blue Jays' history, leading the team to consecutive World series titles in 1992 and '93.
He is also the fourth-oldest manager in baseball history and it will be interesting to see how the younger players react to Gaston and his style.
This is Toronto's first visit to PNC Park.
The Pirates enter the game with the major's worst interleague record in history – 58-99. Pittsburgh, which begins a nine-game homestand Friday, is 37-40 at home in interleague compared to 21-59 on the road.
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