Charlie v Tyson: Lineup & Notes

Today's Game: Charlie Morton (1-0, 2.57) toes the rubber against Tyson Ross (2-4, 3.84). Worms beware - these two guys are among the premier ground ball generators in baseball when they're on. Ground Chuck has made one start since returning from Ray Searage's mechanics 101 class and pitched a nice welcome back game against the Fish. Charlie is 3-1 with a 2.97 ERA in five career starts against the Padres. Ross looked like he was ready for a breakout season this campaign, but his control (4.6/BB per nine) has hindered him, as his inability to go deep into games; he's gone seven innings just twice this year. But Ross has only had one start that he's given up more than three runs, and at 10.6/K per game can miss some bats. The game begins at 10:10 and will be on Root Sports and 93.7 The Fan.

Jordy gets another start; he made a couple of very strong defensive plays last night to earn the nod. Otherwise, same ol'. Josh starts it off with Gregory in the two hole, and The Kid replaces JHK in the five spot.

Who hot?

• Cutch is hitting .368 in his last 21 games with nine doubles, five home runs, 16 RBI and 15 runs scored. 
• Josh is hitting .439 with eight RBI in his last 13 games and is hitting .312 in 23 games this month. 
• Jung Ho Kang is hitting .313 with five doubles, three home runs and 11 RBI to go along with a .396 on-base percentage and .883 OPS. 
• Fran Cervelli has reached base safely in nine straight games and is batting .476 in his last 12 starts. 
• Starling Marte has a May slash of .301/.354/.505 with four homers & 16 RBI.
• Pedro is hitting .357 with four home runs and 10 RBI in his last 12 games.

S/O to MLB.com's Pirate beat guy Tom Singer for finding May's exit velocity speeds (how fast a ball comes off the bat) for the Buc hitters on Baseball Savant. Funny thing; Jordy had harder contact than Starling or Josh: