Monday, June 9, 2014

Morton v Jackson, Lineup, Strike...No Wait, Cole, Gaby...

Edwin Jackson (4-5, 4.59 ERA) of the Cubs opens against Charlie Morton (2-7, 3.31 ERA). Ground Chuck is meeting Jackson for the third time this season. He has no record (the Bucs won both games ultimately) with a 3.75 ERA in the first two starts against him, pitching poorly at Wrigley and well at PNC Park. Against the Cubs, he's pitched overall to a 2-4 slate with a 4.68 ERA in 11 career starts. Morton was given an extra day between starts to work on some side mechanics and to give the arm a little blow after whiffing nine in his last visit to the bump.

Jackson, after a very slow start, has pitched well, although not deep, in his past two outings. He's also seen the Bucs often, with 6-2 record and 3.63 ERA in a dozen lifetime starts.

Lineup: Josh Harrison RF, Neil Walker 2B, Cutch CF, Ike Davis 1B, Pedro 3B, Starling Marte LF, Jordy Mercer SS, Chris Stewart C and Morton P. Ike's back in a hurry - he was supposed to have some down time this week. Russ gets a blow tonight.

The weather should hold up for today's contest, although the next three outings will come during thunderstorm season. The rain is supposed to break up after dark, so we'll see how the clouds cooperate this week. The game starts at 7:05 and will be aired by Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

  • Just to add a little insult to injury: Brewer catcher Jonathan Lucroy told the media post game that the 3-2 pitch that was called strike three on Russ Martin in the ninth wasn't a strike, but "Just one of those crazy things that went our way." Martin and Clint Hurdle were both ejected after arguing the call. Martin was a little more diplomatic in the locker room than he was on the field, saying "...Nobody’s perfect. He (ump Ed Hickox) made the best call he thought at that moment.”
  • Gerrit Cole told David Manel of Bucs Dugout this of his trip to the DL:  "I don't see this as a huge issue. We're on the right path. I feel much better than I did a few days ago."
  • Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Daily News had in his notes column that Gaby was on the market .Mark Polishuk of MLB Trade Rumors takes at look at the 1B available, including Gaby.
  • RHP Vance Worley covered all the bases at Indy last night. He went eight innings, giving up two runs on six hits with seven K for a win and went 3-for-3 with a homer.

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