For the second time in three games, the Pirates were on the opposite end of stellar pitching performances.
The Pirates were held to three hits Sunday by Reds' ace Aaron Harang, just three days after Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter limited the Pirates to one hit. Pirates manager John Russell wasn't concerned; rather, he was impressed by Harang's effort.
"His fastball, his sinker was down; everything was down," Russell said.
? Third baseman Andy LaRoche is still in search of his first hit of the season. With an 0 for 2 showing yesterday, he's 0 for 14. Center fielder Nate McLouth continues to struggle as well despite hitting his second home run Saturday. He is 3 for 21.
? When the Pirates take the field today for their home opener, they'll be playing on a revamped field, including new grass, infield dirt, warning track and pitching mound. Perhaps the biggest change is the new grass, which was installed last fall.
"It was time," Russell said. "One of the things I heard was it was at the end of its lifespan. Our field did get kind of chewed up near the end.
? Considering the Pirates' time away from PNC Park, there's much anticipation leading up to the home opener. With extended spring training and after opening the season with two road trips, the Pirates are eager to get home.
"It seems like we've been gone for a year," Russell said. "The guys are anxious to get home, not home to Pittsburgh but home to the clubhouse and the stadium where you have somebody cheering for you and not against you."
