--LF Nyjer Morgan got his first day off of the season Thursday and was replaced in the leadoff spot by CF Nate McLouth, who went 1-for-3 with an RBI double and a walk. McLouth was the Pirates' primarily leadoff hitter last season when he was selected to his first All-Star Game but has been hitting third this season to take advantage of his power.
--1B Adam LaRoche got the day off Thursday. He is 4-for-23 lifetime against Cardinals starter Todd Wellemeyer. INF/OF Eric Hinske started at first and appeared in the cleanup spot for the first time, going 0-for-4. --SS Jack Wilson is expected to join Class AAA Indianapolis on Saturday for a three-game rehabilitation assignment. That would put him in line to be activated Tuesday when the Pirates open their next homestand against St. Louis. Wilson has been on the disabled list since April 25 with a sprained left middle finger.
--RHP Ian Snell's fastball velocity and his breaking pitches lacked bite as he gave up five runs and walked five in five innings Tuesday. Manager John Russell allowed Snell to throw 131 pitches in his previous start, also against Milwaukee, six days earlier. While Snell would not blame his woes on the high pitch count, he also didn't discount it.
BY THE NUMBERS: 9/13 -- RHP Jeff Karstens' ugly strikeout/walk ratio through four starts and 20 innings this season.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "It seemed like we went a week without scoring, and I'm sure our pitchers felt like they had to throw a shutout to have any chance to win." -- INF Ramon Vazquez, after the Pirates broke a 22-inning scoreless string May 2 that included being shut out in back-to-back games.
