Charlie Morton tossed six shutout innings to earn his first win as a Pirate, allowing one single and four walks.
The Pirates offense gave him seven runs of support, which was nearly eventually needed as Florida scored four times late off the Pittsburgh bullpen. Brandon Moss and Ramon Vazquez both homered and knocked in two runs. Jack Wilson’s two run double keyed a three run seventh inning at the expense of Chris Leroux. The Pirates got to Chris Volstad early as he gave up four runs in three innings on three hits. He didn’t come back to the mound after a 45 minute rain delayed play.
Florida touched Joel Hanrahan and Jeff Karstens for two runs a piece, but it wasn’t enough. Karstens gave up a two run tater to John Baker before closing out the game in the 9th.
The Good
Happy to see some offense.
Vazquez is filling in for a day-to-day Sanchez who has back issues.
The Bad
Joel Hanrahan continues to struggle. His ERA creeped toward eight.
The Rest
First time since June 14-15 that the offense totaled 15 runs or more in consecutive games.
Four players have picked up their first win as a Pirate this season – Morton, Ross Ohlendorf, Steven Jackson and Virgil Vazquez.
Andrew McCutchen has doubled in three straight contests.
