Good afternoon from PNC Park where today the Pirates (42-40) begin a three-game set with the Arizona Diamondbacks (35-49). Jeff Locke (1-1, 3.74 ERA) will oppose Wade Miley (3-6, 4.78 ERA).
Hurdle’s Quotes
On Locke’s effectiveness as of late: “He’s thrown more strikes. His command is in a better place than it was last last season. More leverage counts in his favor and that has been the biggest thing. You look at the walks-to-strikeout total base and compare it to anytime last year at any time. The number of counts he’s been ahead of vs. the number of counts last year, so that has been the biggest thing.”
On Pedro’s offensive play thus far this season: “We need more consistency. I’m not impressed. He’s done more than this. Statistically in some areas we’re better but, again we can cherry-pick numbers and get good and get bad. Looking at the whole context of it, the consistency is what he’s looking for. We’re looking for it with him. The ability to square up balls, drive in runs, score runs. To be a run producer. A more consistent run producer and we’ve seen him have periods that have been phenomenal and he really hasn’t had one to date this season. I don’t believe in my mind.”
Other Notes
— The Pirates have gone 7-3 against teams from the N.L. West division this season, winning all three of the series – vs. San Francisco (May 5-7) and at Los Angeles (May 29 – June 1) and at San Diego (June 2-4).
— Starling Marte has gone 22-for-61 (.361) with five doubles, a homer and nine RBI while hitting safely in 13 of his last 15 games. He has gone 15-for-48 (.313) with 10 runs scored in 11 games while batting second in the lineup.
— Pedro Alvarez is one home run shy of becoming the 23rd player to hit 100 or more home runs in a Pittsburgh Pirates uniform. Two players entered the century club last season; Andrew McCutchen, who now has 115 with the Pirates and Garret Jones, who finished his Bucco career with exactly 100 long balls.
Tonight’s Pirates Lineup
Harrison RF
Marte LF
McCutchen CF
Sanchez 1B
Martin C
Mercer SS
Alvarez 3B
Walker 2B
Locke P
First pitch is set for 7:05.
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(Photo Credit: Getty Images)
