Good afternoon from PNC Park where tonight a national ESPN audience will have their eyes focused on Pittsburgh and the Pirates (16-20) as they look to complete a three-game sweep over the Cardinals (18-19). Charlie Morton (0-4, 3.45 ERA) will take the hill for the Bucs as he will oppose Shelby Miller (4-2, 3.20 ERA).
Roster Move
The Pirates have recalled OF Jaff Decker from AAA Indianapolis and have optioned INF Brent Morel to AAA. Morel struck out in one plate appearance with the Pirates.
Gaby Sanchez on playing RF last night
“Nerves are always going to be there,” said Sanchez. “It’s something that I’m not used to doing. At first base, it’s easy. I’m used to doing that, I’ve been there, I’ve done it. Outfield, you’re in a new spot, you don’t know where really you should be standing, where to move to, what to do. It’s just one of those things where I was just taken back like, okay just relax, it’s just like BP and you’re going to shag balls out here. That’s the only thing I was thinking. I am just going to shag after these balls and see what happens.”
Sanchez also stole a rare base in last night’s contest.
“I think, playing outfield, I felt fast (laughs). I said hey, my attributes went up like probably a +2 because I was playing outfield and not first and you know, the speed kicked in and I was able to steal it.”
That was Gaby’s 12th career stolen base.
Other Notes
— This is the first time since 1996 that the Pirates have played on ESPN Sunday Night Baseball in Pittsburgh.
— The Pirates have won the most one-run games (11) in the Majors this season. A total of 25 of their first 36 games this season have been decided by two runs or less (13-12 record).
— In the last eight games, the Bucco leadoff batters who have started games have gone a combined 12-for-31 (.387) with four doubles, two triples and eight runs scored. Jose Tabata has gone 3-for-8 with two runs the last two games and is hitting .304 (7-for-23) with three runs scored in six games as the leadoff batter this season.
Tonight’s Lineups
First pitch on the four-letter network is set for 8:10.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
