Pre-game Notes 10/2: Presley impresses Russell, Pirates vs Marlins

The Pirates and Manager John Russell are impressed with Alex Presley’s versatility.

“It’s nice, because when he’s not playing, I look down on the bench and I’ve got a weapon,” Russell said. “He can do some things to help you win a game. He gives you a good at-bat. He gives you some speed and can play defense. He’s a guy you look down on the bench and you like having him around because he can help win a game for you because there’s a lot he can do.”

 

Notes:

·         The Pirates are 12-12 in their past 24 games.

·         Pedro Alvarez has homered in back-to-back games and has hit the long ball five times in the last 10 games. His 16 home runs are the most by a Pirates rookie third basemen since Aramis Ramirez hit 17 in 2002.

·         Jose Tabata extended his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games during Friday’s 5-1 win over the Marlins.

 

Pitching Matchup:

RHP Charlie Morton (2-11, 7.94 ERA)

Vs

RHP Jorge Sosa (2-3, 5.23 ERA)

Morton his 17th and final start of the season. He got a no-decision his last start against the Cardinals. Morton allowed four runs on 10 hits through six innings, striking out four. He is 1-0 with a 4.24 ERA in his last four starts.

Sosa is starting in place of Alex Sanabia who was scratched due to right elbow stiffness. He is making his second start –22 appearance– of the season. Sosa is 2-2 with a 4.45 ERA when pitching from the bullpen. His only start of the season came on September 15th against the Phillies where he allowed six runs (four earned) on six hits with three walks in 2.1 innings.

 

Pirates Lineup:

McCutchen 8

Tabata 7

Walker 4

Alvarez 5

Jones 3

Bowker 9

Cedeno 6

Snyder 2

Morton 1

 

Marlins Lineup:

Bonifacio 8

Martinez 6

Morrison 7

Uggla 4

Sanchez 3

Stanton 9

Tracy 5

Hatcher 2

Sosa 1