I have a hunch that the Pirates are going to have much more trouble with Brandon Morrow tonight than they did with Jo-Jo Reyes last night. Morrow is striking out more than a batter an inning in 2011, with a FIP of 2.70 and an xFIP of 3.34 despite his lackluster 4.90 ERA and 3-4 record. That’s the sort of pitcher I always anticipate will have a big night against the Pirates, even if that’s holding true less often this season than it has in the past.
Paul Maholm should presumably also fare better than Kevin Correia did last night, as he’s able to keep the ball on the ground a bit better and that should at least make this game less of a home run derby than last night’s was. Locking up a series win in Toronto would make for a pretty sweet start to this week, so let’s hope the Bucs get it out of the way tonight rather than waiting.
First pitch tonight is again at 7:07. It’s June 29th and the Pirates have a meaningful game this evening. Enjoy it.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
