Morton, Pittsburgh Pirates flounder in 5-2 loss to Marlins

On Tuesday night, coming off a game one victory over the Miami Marlins (50-75), the Pittsburgh Pirates (75-48) looked to continue their three-game winning streak, as the team sent out right-hander Charlie Morton (8-5, 4.20 ERA) against Marlins’ left-hander Brad Hand (4-3, 4.23 ERA). Morton struggled throughout the game, only lasting 5 1/3 innings while allowing five runs on eight hits.

The Pittsburgh bullpen continued to look strong, though, as Jared Hughes and Antonio Bastardo allowed no earned runs in 2 2/3 innings, while giving up one hit and just one free pass on the night.

The Pirates started the night off hot in the top of the first inning, with Andrew McCutchen on second base, when Aramis Ramirez singled to right field, scoring McCutchen and giving Pittsburgh the early 1-0 lead.

Marlins’ starter Brad Hand would limit the Pirates to one run on the night, silencing the base-paths. While he did allow nine hits, the Pirates stranded seven runners on the night.

One of the runs for Miami came in the bottom of the fourth inning, when after stealing second base, Justin Bour doubled to right field, scoring Dee Gordon and tying the game at one-all.

Later, in the bottom of the sixth inning, after Gordon stole second base, Martin Prado doubled to left field, scoring Gordon and giving the Marlins a two-run lead.

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In the bottom of the sixth, Pirates’ right-hander Hughes came in to relieve Morton after 5 1/3 innings. Hughes only allowed two hits and one walk in 1 2/3 innings of relief.

Things got interesting in the top of the ninth inning, though, when with Ramirez on third base, Pedro Alvarez grounded out to second base, scoring Ramirez, and cutting the Marlins’ lead to 5-2. But it was too little, too late, as Pittsburgh would drop the second game of the four-game set by a final score of 5-2.

What Stood Out

Miami’s Dee Gordon was the key player for the Marlins last night, as he recorded two hits in four at-bats, four stolen bases, and accounted for two of the five Miami runs.

Negatively for the Pirates, Morton struggled in the loss, allowing five runs of eight hits. The base-paths for Pittsburgh were quiet as the Marlins silenced the Pirate bats, allowing only two runs on the night.

On the positive side, the bullpen kept the game from getting too far out of hand, as Hughes and Bastardo allowed only two hits in 2 2/3 innings pitched.

What’s Next

On Wednesday night, the Pirates send out lefty pitcher Jeff Locke (6-8, 4.56 ERA) against Miami lefty Chris Narveson (1-0, 3.86 ERA). Last time out against the Giants, Locke lasted five innings, but allowed six runs of 11 hits, while recording two strikeouts with one free pass in the loss.

Next: Jordy Mercer returns to Pirates-what does this mean for team?