Charlie Morton (1-0, 2.57) making his first start of the season, limited the Miami Marlins to two runs in the Pirates 4-2 win on Monday night. Morton went 7 innings, allowing 8 hits, 2 runs, while striking out 3 and walking none. Both Marlin runs came at the hands of star outfielder Giancarlo Stanton who singled in a run off Morton in the first and homered off Morton in the third.
A big plus for Morton on the night was that his  sinker was in top form, getting 16 ground ball outs and retired 15 batters on three pitches or fewer.  “Charlie stepped in, stepped up and competed,” manager Clint Hurdle said afterwards. “The numbers tell you how his mechanics worked.” Morton threw 63 strikes on 87 pitches.
The Pirates winners of four straight, have climbed back to .500 at 22-22. They improved to 13-9 at home.
2015 Stats: 1-0, 2.57 ERA, 3 SO, 1.14 WHIP