The Pirates (85 – 61) are back in a tie for first in the NL Central and looking for sole possession as they take on the Cubs (62 – 84). Charlie Morton (7 – 4, 3.44 ERA) will oppose Jake Arrieta (2 – 2, 4.28 ERA).
Leading Off
The Pirates established a new PNC Park record with 46 wins at home this season, eclipsing the 45 – 36 record from 2012. The last three years in which the Pirates won more than 46 home games, they won the division title (1990-1992).
Hurdle’s Quotes
On the multiple standing ovations given to the team last night — “Really cool, very thankful. A lot of hard work has been put in to this going on to three years. A lot of blood, sweat and tears from a lot of people, from the fans, so as much as they were applauding us, I was applauding them and our players were applauding them and we’re very appreciative of the response. It definitely was not taken for granted and appreciated greatly.”
On Marte’s next step — “We got him going out to take BP today. We’re trying to find another option for some live BP that we’re comfortable with to ramp up his opportunity to get back. We got some pitchers going to the Arizona Fall League, but that availability wont be until the middle of next week which is a longer wait than I’d like. We might have to try one of out own guys out of the bullpen. We’re definitely going to have him out in BP today to get as aggressive as he can off the coach’s BP and see where that takes us.”
On the amount of strikeouts the offense has taken this season (struck out only 3 times yesterday) — “We’re getting better. Normally, I say I’m pleased, but I’m not satisfied. I’m not to pleased yet, but we’re heading in the right direction. I do think we’re improving.”
Other Notes
— Andrew McCutchen enters tonight’s action one home run shy of his third straight season with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases. He is the eighth Pittsburgh player to have a 20/20 season and would be just the second to do it in three straight years; joining Barry Bonds (1990-1992).
— With yesterday’s win, the Pirates assured themselves with at least the 41st best record in franchise history (out of 131 years). They need 11 more wins to crack the top 10.
— With a sellout tonight, the Pirates could tie the PNC Park single-season sellout record set in 2001 of 19. The record should be broken by the end of the weekend.
Follow Travis for Pirates news and in-game updates on Twitter @TBerardi_OVA or @Theyinzer
(Photo Credit: Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
