Pirates, Charlie Morton Look To Continue Giants Skid

The World Champion San Francisco Giants

come into PNC Park for a three game set.  They are limping off a sweep, mired in a four-game skid, and looking to get their season together as they face the Bucs, Nationals, and Mets on their road trip.  Think the Giants want some wins?

The Bucs get a break with the Giants rotation.  The Pirates sputtering offense will face a 21-year old tomorrow night,  and a very familar name for the oppressed Bucco fans on Thursday.  Tonight it’s Matt Cain who is 2-1 with an ERA just under three and a half.

The right handed stud has three quality starts for the Champs, but was beat up by the Rockies for six runs on nine hits in just 4.2 innings last time out.  Ty Wigginton (the guy who cost Pittsburghers Anna Benson) hit a three-run bomb off Cain for the big blow.

The Giants offense has been far from formidable.  [Last seven games, highest averages:  Burrell .444, Sandoval .267, Sanchez .238, Posey .235, Ross .200, Tejada .167]

In nine games the Champs have failed to put up more than three runs.  It’s just what Charlie Morton should be looking for as he attempts to bounce back from his roughest start of the year.  Last April the Giants knocked Electric Stuff around for six runs in six innings pitched.  Morton has given up 11 earned in 25 innings over his career against San Fran.

Despite not being remotely close to what the team will look like after 50 games, the Giants still have got it done this season.  They have won series against St. Louis, Los Angeles, Arizona and took two from Colorado.  That’s impressive.

The Pirates offense should be able to get a few opportunities from the Giants suspect defense.  After all, just look at who will be playing shortstop that isn’t Jack beside Freddy Sanchez anymore.  For as much as Tejada is expected to provide at the plate, his fielding is definently not improving.  If he continues to wait on balls, look for Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata to have some fun.

The top of the Bucs lineup in Cutch and Captain Intensity have a .406 OPS good for second in the NL.  For the Bucs to take a couple in the series, the production for the top must continue.

Looking at the starters for the Giants, is there really any possible way the Bucs shouldn’t be able to grab two games against the Champs?  Wait.  I said it.  I did.

The Giants got swept by the Braves and walked 16 Atlanta batters.  We trust the Pirates can show discipline and patience at the plate in the series.  When the Giants get out hit they haven’t won a game.  Let’s see if the Bucs can out hit ’em.

Believe.

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