Pittsburgh @ San Francisco preview
Oracle Park
Last Meeting ( Apr 13, 2010 ) Pittsburgh 6, San Francisco 5
It may only be his second start of the season but it rates as an important one for Pittsburgh’s Charlie Morton.
Morton was drubbed in his 2010 debut by the Arizona Diamondbacks and will be looking to redeem himself when the Pirates meet the San Francisco Giants in today’s finale of a three-game series in San Francisco.
Morton was one of three players acquired from Atlanta in the controversial Nate McLouth trade last summer. The swap angered Pirates’ fans tired of seeing good players shipped out of town.
So for Pittsburgh fans to forgive and forget, somebody in that trade needs to become a quality major leaguer, and the 26-year-old Morton is expected to get a long look this season.
But his first outing of the year was beyond terrible as Morton allowed eight runs and nine hits in 3 1/3 innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Morton had six strikeouts – including his first five outs – but was torched often enough that he enters today’s start with a 21.60 earned-run average.
Though his career record sits at 9-18 with a 5.55 ERA, Morton has had success against the Giants. He owns a 2.37 ERA in three starts against San Francisco, allowing just five earned runs in 19 innings despite winning just one of three decisions.
In 18 starts for the Pirates last season, Morton went 5-9 with a 4.55 ERA.
With Pittsburgh’s starting pitching a severe issue over the first eight games – only two starters have gone six innings – the time is now for Morton to start reaching the potential that made him attractive to the Pirates.
The Pirates also should learn today whether starter Ross Ohlendorf will need to go on the disabled list. Ohlendorf was scratched from his scheduled Monday start because of back stiffness and will attempt to throw a bullpen session today.
Pittsburgh took steps to improve its pitching earlier this week by designating Hayden Penn (30.86 ERA) for assignment and sending Daniel McCutchen (24.30 ERA) to the minors.
San Francisco will start lefty Jonathan Sanchez in today’s game. Sanchez lasted just 4 1/3 innings in his first start, allowing three runs and seven hits.
Sanchez went 8-12 with a 4.24 ERA last season. His most memorable moment was throwing a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres.
The Giants have been one of the hottest teams in baseball over the first week-plus of the season. They have outscored their opponents 45-29 over the first eight games.