- Commissioner’s statement on Ventura, Marte
- Ronnie O’Sullivan: Masters champion ‘felt so vulnerable’ in final
- Arron Fletcher Wins 2017 WSOP International Circuit Marrakech Main Event ($140,224)
- Smith challenges Warner to go big in India
- Moncada No. 1 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Braves land 2 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- Kingery makes MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 2B Prospects list
- New Zealand wrap up 2-0 after Bangladesh implosion
- Mathews, Pradeep, Gunathilaka to return to Sri Lanka
- Elliott hopes for rain for Poli
On eve of birthday, Bucs’ Mercer hits 1st slam
- Updated: August 27, 2016
MILWAUKEE — Before Friday’s game against the Brewers, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle directed a short lesson on two-strike hitting to reporters gathered in his office. Shortstop Jordy Mercer was not in attendance, but he must have gotten the lecture notes from somebody.
Mercer launched his first career grand slam on an 0-2 slider against Matt Garza to vault the Pirates to a five-run lead in an eventual 5-3 win at Miller Park.
• Grand slams mean 40% off pizza
“You look at batting average with two strikes, it’s not good,” Hurdle said. “Runner in scoring position batting average with two strikes is lower. It’s a mentality for me as much as anything.
“Not that you have to give anything up, but it becomes more personal. You’re going to sell out, you’re going to hold your ground, you’re going to keep your backside, you’re not going to jump out and try to hook anything. You’re just going to hold your ground and try to hit the ball where it’s pitched — that’s when …
continue reading in source mlb.mlb.com
