Morton v Ross

Charlie Morton (7-4, 3.54) takes the bump against Tyson Ross (3-8, 3.29) tonight. Ground Chuck was roughed up a bit by Cub lefties, while Ross didn't get out of the opening frame against the Phils. Both are solid starters, so it's going to be a see-which-guy shows up kinda evening on the hill.

The game starts at 7:50. It's the MLB.com free game and will be aired on Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Pirate lineup: Starling Marte, Neil Walker 2b, Andrew McCutchen CF, Justin Morneau 1b, Marlon Byrd RF, Pedro Alvarez 3b, John Buck C, Clint Barmes SS and Charlie Morton P.

We're not a fan of John Buck behind the plate, but Clint Hurdle is trying to jump start an offense that's a weak heartbeat away from the cemetery.

Padre lineup:Will Venable RF, Ronny Cedeno SS, Jedd Gyorko 2b, Chase Headley 3b, Tommy Medica 1b, Jesus Guzman LF, Reymond Fuentes CF, Rene Rivera C and Tyson Ross P.

• In 57 games since the All-Star break, Andrew McCutchen leads all NL players with a .455 OBP and ranks second with a .366 BA.
• Russ Martin has thrown out a MLB leading 29 baserunners trying to steal, the most by a Pirate since Jason Kendall nailed 31 wannabe larcenists in 2004.
• Pitt Girl comes to the rescue of AJ Burnett.
• Mark Simon of ESPN - NY has a chart of balls hit through the middle of the infield that are converted into outs. Yep, your shifty hometown heroes lead the pack.
• Pirate prez Frank Coonelly was feted at the Heinz History Center today, with Luis Clemente as a speaker.