Hurdle tweaks lineup for Game 2 vs. O's

BALTIMORE -- Manager Clint Hurdle didn't have much time to vent after the Pirates dropped the first game of a doubleheader against the Orioles on Thursday. Instead he had to focus on earning a split.

Pittsburgh managed nine hits but left 13 men on base in the 5-1 Game 1 setback. The Pirates' record when trailing after seven innings fell to 0-14.

In an attempt for better results in Game 2, Hurdle adjusted his lineup. Travis Snider took over the leadoff spot and right field from Jose Tabata, who went 1-for-5 in the opener. At catcher, Chris Stewart gave Tony Sanchez (0-for-4) a break, and Clint Barmes took over at shortstop for Jordy Mercer (0-for-3).

"We knew we had two [games] coming in," Hurdle said. "The best we can do is to win this one. That's the way we look at it. We have to keep playing. We get a chance to play better and go out there and throw up a good game today."

In the second game, Brandon Cumpton (0-1, 2.57 ERA) looked to keep the Orioles off the board early so the Pirates don't have to spend most of the night playing from behind again. Cumpton made his second start after being recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis on April 24. He lost his debut, 2-1, to Cincinnati.

Charlie Morton started strong in the first game but was not as sharp after a rain delay at the end of the fourth inning. He allowed three runs in the fifth when play resumed and another in the sixth before being replaced by Jeanmar Gomzez.

Morton fell to 0-4 with a 4.21 ERA, but he did not get much help from the offense. He allowed four runs (two earned) on seven hits with four strikeouts and two walks over 5 1/3 innings.

"I really don't want to put my finger on the rain delay, but it was really two different pitchers," Hurdle said. "He was really challenged to get the ball down consistently."