Morton has 6.19 ERA in June
Pirates starter Charlie Morton (7-4) was roughed up tonight against the Baltimore Orioles in the Pirates 8-3 loss at PNC Park. The Pirates fell to 35-37 on the season and 15-19 at home.
Morton for the third straight start, did not have his so called “electric stuff”, a saying that has followed the Pirates starter this season during his resurgence from a nightmare 2010 season.
Morton was out of sync from the start, allowing 5 runs in the first inning.
Overall, Morton allowed 8 hits and 7 runs in just 2 innings of work tonight, suffering his 4th loss of the season.
In his last three starts, Morton has not lasted past the 5th inning. During that span, he has given up 26 hits and 17 runs.
Morton has posted a 6.19 ERA in June and based on Clint Hurdles comments tonight, the Pirates intend to be cautious with Morton moving forward.
In his post-game media session, Hurdle cited stamina issues as an indicator for Morton’s struggles this month. Hurdle even indicated that the Pirates are considering skipping Morton in the rotation.
Jones has opportunity to run with starting first base job
The opportunity is now available for Garrett Jones to regain his starting job at first base. The Pirates tonight benched veteran Lyle Overbay and Overbay will not start for the rest of the series.
Prior to the game, Hurdle was also non-committal on going back to Overbay as the starter.
The 34 year old is hitting .228 on the season and has been a major disappointment.
Jones was 0-for-2 at the plate with 1 run scored and 2 walks.
McCutchen has three hit night in loss
Andrew McCutchen went 0-for-13 at the plate in the Pirates three game set at Cleveland but tonight was one of the Pirates few bright spots on the night, going 3-for-4 with a double and run scored.
It was McCutchen 4th three-hit game this month.
Moskos vs Wieters
The Daniel Moskos – Matt Wieters matchup got some laughs tonight and Moskos got the best of Wieters, as Wieters flied out to center for the final out in the top of the 6th.