Post game Notes: 4/3
- Following today’s game, the team will travel to St. Louis, where they open up a three-game series against the Cardinals. Right-hand Pitcher Charlie Morton will face Right-hander Kyle Lohse.
- The Pirates struck out 12 times against Cubs starter Matt Garza in the 5-4 victory on Sunday. Garza’s 12 k’s were a career high.
- Third Baseman Pedro Alvarez is looking forward to the Pirates home opener on April 7th –his first home opener as a big leaguer.
Alvarez told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “They are great fans to play in front of. I don’t think there are any fans out there like the Pittsburgh fans. You can tell, obviously, with the Steelers and the Penguins and with us. I’m definitely very excited, and I feel very fortunate to be able to play in front of them this year.”
- Manager Clint Hurdle was late to post the lineup before today’s game against the Cubs. There were discussions on whether Andrew McCutchen would sit out due to a stiff neck he got from a diving catch in Saturday’s game. “My neck’s a little sore. It’s from diving on that cement out there (in the outfield).”
The lineup was posted, McCutchen’s name in the 3rd spot, but about 30 minutes before the game, he was scratched from the lineup. He was given treatment and was sitting for precautionary reasons.