Good afternoon from PNC Park where this evening the Pirates (52-47) take on the Dodgers (56-45). Vance Worley (2-1, 3.38 ERA) will face Josh Beckett (6-5, 2.26 ERA).
— This afternoon the Pirates and All-Star Andrew McCutchen, in partnership with with Make-A-Wish, will welcome Matthew Beichner to PNC Park. Mathew is a 12-year-old boy from Colorado Springs, Co., who has been diagnosed with germinoma and his wish is to meet and have lunch in centerfield with his hero, McCutchen. The Pirates signed Matthew to a one-day contract and he will throw out the ceremonial first pitch prior to tonight’s contest.
“He might be starting tonight,” McCutchen said jokingly.
Hurdle’s Quotes
On Ike Davis’s tendancy to heat up in the second half: “I do believe that there are more players that are more cognoscente of their numbers than others. I have had conversations with players that have said ‘historically, you’ve shown this’ and they were like, ‘what?’ , but it might light a spark and then you get a buy in to go along with it. There are some guys that do know it and I ask them and the answers have ranged from ‘It’s just reps’ or ‘It’s getting to the point where I need to trust what I do best and not try to recreate or change something every third day’ and in Ike’s case, there have been second half’s that have been very productive for him, so you speak to what was the mindset then. He’s been working during the period he’s been down and he’s going to get a couple games here to go out there and get some at-bats.”
Other Notes
— The Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association (MLBPAA) announced today that Josh Harrison is the Pittsburgh Pirates 2014 Heart and Hustle winner. This esteemed award honors active players who demonstrate a passion for the game of baseball and best embody the values, spirit and tradition of the game. The Heart and Hustle Award is also the only award in Major League Baseball that is voted on by former players. The final winner from all 30 MLB Clubs will be announced on November 18 at the 15th Annual Legends for Youth Dinner in New York City.
— The Pirates have turned a total of 24 double plays in their last 14 games, including a season-high tying four Saturday night. Pedro Alvarez leads all National League third basemen with 24 double plays turned.
Tonight’s Pirates Lineup
First pitch is set for 7:05.
(Photo Credit: Travis Berardi / PSN)
