Morton hit hard, Bucs get swept by the Brew Crew, 8-4

 

Charlie Morton’s awaited start didn’t go very well. After being sent down to Triple-A Indy over three months ago, Morton was given his first start on Sunday afternoon against the Brewers. 

During a pre-game interview, Morton said ”I feel like I’ve come a long way.” Unfortunately today, he seemed like the same ol’ Charlie we saw in the begining of the season.

He was pulled after throwing 82 pitches through 3.1 Innings, giving up nine hits, eight runs, seven earned, walked one and struck out two. With the Pirates loss, Morton falls to 1-10 with an 10.03 ERA. (allowing 52 earned runs on 75 hits over 46 2/3 innings)

“[Morton] just didn’t execute quality pitches,” Pirates manager John Russell said. “I think he threw a few too many offspeed pitches and didn’t really get aggressive with his fastball. Just not enough quality pitches. When he throws that many offspeed pitches, then he loses the aggressiveness of really being able to pound the zone.”

  

Three runs were surrendered in the first inning. After allowing back-to-back singles and a walk, Dickerson hit a two-RBI single and a wild pitch scored McGehee.

Charlie seemed to have calmed down in the second inning, allowing just one hit — a double by Kottaras– then retired the next three batters.

Morton was hit hard in the third inning allowing three more runs to score, although, this time it wasn’t all his fault. Ryan Braun reached first base on an error by Ronny Cedeno and a passed ball by Ryan Doumit were the factors in two of the runs. Escobar and Kottaras both hit RBI singles, giving the Brewers a 6-2 lead.

Charlie was pulled in the fourth inning after giving up a two-run home run to Ryan Braun (his 19th of the season).

“Early on, they seemed to be on my four-seamer pretty good,” Morton said. “I was throwing my sinker, but I was falling behind in some counts. With my sinker, I was inducing less firm contact, but I got beat bad on a couple curveballs I left up in the zone.”

 

I hope that JR gives Charlie another start. You probally are thinking I’m crazy, but hear me out. Morton was being caught by Ryan Doumit and let’s face it we know he is a horrible game caller. With Chris Snyder’s experience I would like to see how he would pitch with Chris being behind the plate. Throughout the game I noticed Morton shaking off Doumit a lot. Not only were they not on the same page, I can only imagine that doesn’t boost his confidence and only ads frustration.

 

Neil Walker hit a two-run home run in the first inning of Dave Bush. (Back-to-back homer nights for Walker who is batting .369 with runners on base)

In the second inning with two men on base, Cedeno at the plate and the pitchers spot up next, Ronny decided to bunt. I may not be a baseball player but I do know that is a very stupid idea. I’m not sure if that call was from the bench (god help us if it was) but WHY, oh, WHY would Cedeno do that? He was obviously out at first base. Morton struck out and Tabata flied to center to end the inning and leave both Doumit and Milledge in scoring position.

Dave Bush gave up two more home runs during his seven innings, Doumit in the fourth and Young in the seventh inning. Bush has now given up 10 home runs this month and 25 on the season. He gave up three runs on seven hits, struck out four and walked two. Bush is 7-11 on the season.

 

There was a scary moment in the eighth inning when Evan Meek was hit in the right arm by a come-backer from Ryan Braun (As if I need another reason to hate him). At first it had looked like Meek was hit in the chest. He fell to the ground and after a minute was helped to his feet. Evan walked off the field with JR and the Pirates medical staff favoring his right hand. Thankfully, the X-rays came back negative and there was no fracture. Meek was diagnosed with a contusion on his right wrist.

 

Trevor Hoffman came into the ninth inning to pick up his 599th career save and the Bucs lost to the Brewers 8-4.  

  

 

News and Notes:

• The Pirates starting pitching now has a record of 24-72. It is the first time since 1952 that the team have five 10 loss starters. (Duke 6-12, Maholm 7-12, Ohlendorf 1-11, Morton 1-10)
• The Pirates have now lost 13 straight on the road.
• Jhonatan Ramos promoted from State College to West Virginia. 

 

Minor League Update:

• Matt Curry (16th round pick in the 2010 draft) at State College, 50 games: .295 AVG, 13 2B, 6HR, 25 RBI

Hitters:

• John Bowker .310 AVG, 17 HR, 44 RBI, .960 OPS
• Alex Presley .324 AVG, 12 HR, 79 RBI, .880 OPS
• Josh Harrison .298 AVG, 3 HR, 72 RBI, 17 SB
• Chase D’Arnaud .243 AVG, 4HR, 44 RBI, 32 SB
• Starling Marte .335 AVG, 2 HR, 36 RBI, 23 SB –Since return from the DL .381 AVG, 19RBI in 28 games

Pitchers:

• Rudy Owens 11-6, 2.56 ERA, 0.99 WHIP
• Justin Wilson 10-7, 3.12 ERA, .216 OPP AVG
• Bryan Morris 9-4, 3.12 ERA, 120 K
• Jeff Locke 12-4, 3.24 ERA, 1.12 WHIP
• Zach Von Rosenberg 1-6, 3.20 ERA, 1.24 WHIP