Pitching Duel

On paper the game tonight seems to be the best pitching matchup on the slate of games in the majors. It features Jair Jurrjens of Atlanta versus Charlie Morton of the Pirates. Both hurlers come into the game at 5-1.

Many may not be surprised to Jurrjens having a great season. He has long been a pitcher held in some regard, it may have been a matter of time before time and chance came together. Seeing Charlie Morton there is a bit of a surprise if you are thinking of the early season Charlie Morton of last season.

This turnaround started late last season when he started to put together some good starts. It went into high gear in the offseason when his mechanics were tweaked. Now we are seeing the results.

If Morton is able to get a win against the Braves it will perhaps create a bit of a stir nationally as well as locally. We could be looking at a guy that people come out to the ballpark to see pitch, something the Pirates may not have had since Oliver Perez first donned the black and gold.

Morton has had some national recognition, but by running his record to 6-1, beating a guy having just as good as a season, it will ger a little more attention.

The attention is a good thing. Morton went through a ton last season and it is good to see all of his work and perserverane rewarded.