Morton Roughed Up Early, O's Win 8-3

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Getty Images

The Pittsburgh Pirates were coming off of a 3-3 road trip, but had lost three straight to finish the trip.  As they looked to turn things around, they welcomed the Baltimore Orioles to town.  Charlie Morton would start for the Buccos as he looked to pick up win number eight on the season.  The O’s would counter with Jake Arrieta, who was looking for win number nine. 

Morton would go on to have his worst game of the year, as Baltimore would jump on him early by scoring five runs in the first inning and would go on to chase Charlie out of the game by scoring two more runs in the second inning.  Morton’s final stat line of the night would read six earned runs on eight hits in two innings, while striking out four and walking one.  Arrieta picked up his ninth win after completing five innings of work while giving up three runs on three hits.

The Orioles then went on to add another run in the third inning to finish off the Pirates 8-3.  Pitching was not the only problem the Buccos had on this night.  The defense committed three errors, while the offense had trouble at the plate and on the base paths. 

Pittsburgh’s bullpen did well on this night as Daniel McCutchen, Daniel Moskos, Tim Wood, and Joel Hanrahan, would combine to pitch seven innings allowing one run on six hits.  Andrew McCutchen would finish his night going 3 for 4, while Ronny Cedeno would have two of the Pirates three RBI.

A fourth straight loss hurt the Pirates tonight and Morton has been slipping in his recent starts.  Hopefully this will not be a continuing trend as they two teams will do battle again tomorrow night at 7:05.  James McDonald will look to have a strong outing so that the bullpen is not taxed again.

Record vs. Orioles:  0-1
Record vs. A.L. East:  0-1
Record at Home:  15-19
Overall Record:  35-37

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!!!