--LF Nyjer Morgan certainly is not the reason why the Pirates had lost 13 consecutive games to the Brewers and 16 straight at Miller Park through Monday. Morgan was 2-for-4 with three runs scored to raise his career batting average against the Brewers to .357. His lifetime average at Miller Park actually dipped to .515.
--RHP Craig Hansen was placed on the 15-day disabled list Saturday, retroactive to April 20, with neck spasms. Hansen said he began experience pain in his neck midway through spring training and it got worse in the past week. The Pirates had been using Hansen primarily in a mop-up role because of his propensity to walk hitters. --RHP Evan Meek was recalled from Indianapolis to take Hansen's spot in the bullpen. Meek had a 1.04 ERA in six relief appearances in the minors and will work in middle relief for the Pirates. He likely would have made the club out of spring training if he had not come down with a tired shoulder and bronchitis during the final 10 days of camp.
BY THE NUMBERS: 4 -- Number of games the Pirates are over .500 at 11-7 after winning twice in a three-game series at San Diego that ended Sunday. The Pirates, who have had 16 straight losing seasons, have not been this far above .500 this late in a season since April 30, 2002.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "We're going to need guys to step up and our team to come together and I know we will." -- Manager John Russell after losing C Ryan Doumit and SS Jack Wilson to the disabled list in the span of five days.
