Pre-Game Notes 9/27: Alvarez named NL Player of the Week, Pirates vs Cardinals

Rookie Pedro Alvarez was named the National League Player of the Week –the first Pirate player to win POW since Ryan Doumit in 2008.

Alvarez had a monster of a week hitting .407 with four doubles, two home runs and 13 RBIs. He also boasted a .833 SLG.

“I’m still trying to learn as much as I can for next year,” Alvarez said. “Then I’ll keep learning next year and start off strong.”

“It’s a great honor,” Alvarez said before Pittsburgh’s game on Monday. “Some of the guys that are hot right now in the league are doing unbelievable. To be privileged enough to get an award like this means a lot to me, and hopefully there are a lot more coming my way. It’s definitely very honoring because of all the hard work I’ve put in and will continue to put in.”

“That’s a great accolade for Pedro,” said manager John Russell. “I think the good thing is, some of our young players are starting to get noticed. People are talking about [Jose] Tabata, [Neil] Walker, and [Andrew] McCutchen — and now Pedro is getting into the mix, as well. I’m very proud of him. That’s a nice accomplishment.”

 

Notes:

• Monday starts the final road trip of the season for the Pirates, seven games to end the 2010 season.
• The Pirates have won two straight and seven of their last nine.
• The Pirates are just 2-21 in their past 23 road games.
• Jose Tabata (.302) and Neil Walker (.301) are attempting to become the first set of Pittsburgh Rookies to end the season .300 or better since Jimmy Williams (.355) and Ginger Beaumont (.352) did so in 1899. –According to the Elias Sports Bureau
• Andrew McCutchen has reached safely in 21 straight games. During this span he is batting .423 with two homers, six RBI and 13 runs scored. McCutchen currently ranks first among Center Fielders in the National League with OBP (.360).
• The Pirates and Cardinals are meeting for the fourth time in the past seven days. The Pirates took two-of-three from St. Louis and are 5-4 against them at PNC Park this season. The Buccos are 0-3 at Busch stadium this year.
• If the Pirates defeat the Cardinals tonight, the Red Birds will be eliminated from the NL Central allowing the Reds to clinch.
• Evan Meek ranks third among relief pitchers with most innings pitched in the 7th with 28.1. Gregerson (36) from the Padres’ is the only reliever to pitch more than Meek. Colorado’s Belisle (27.2), Phillies’ Durbin (24), Angels Jepsen (22.2) and Rangers’ Oliver (22.2) are behind Meek.

 

Pitching Matchup:

RHP Charlie Morton (2-11, 8.10 ERA)

Vs

RHP Kyle Lohse (4-8, 7.18 ERA)

Morton picked up his first win –since May 5th– against Lohse and the Cardinals his last start. He pitched six innings allowing two runs on four hits, walked one and struck out five. Morton is 1-0 with a 3.63 ERA in his last three starts.

Lohse lost his last start against the Pirates allowing six runs on seven hits through three innings. He is 2-0 with a 2.35 ERA at home this season.

 

 

Pirates Lineup:

Andrew McCutchen 8

Jose Tabata 7

Neil Walker 4

Garrett Jones 3

Pedro Alvarez 5

John Bowker 9  *returning to the lineup since suffering a sore right knee on Saturday

Ronny Cedeno 6

Chris Snyder 2

Charlie Morton 1

Cardinals Lineup:

Skip Schumaker 4

Allen Craig 9

Albert Pujols 3

Matt Holliday 7

Colby Rasmus 8

Daniel Descalso 5

Brendan Ryan 6

Matt Pagnozzi 2

Kyle Loshe 1