First number, last word

By Tom Singer

May 7, 2013

104: Strikeouts by Pirates relievers, entering Tuesday's action, second most in the National League to the Arizona's 105.

"That's the hardest I've ever hit a ball in my career." -- Pirates shortstop Clint Barmes, reflecting on his two-run homer to left-center off Washington's Stephen Strasburg on Saturday.

Tom Singer is a reporter for MLB.com and writes an MLBlog Change for a Nickel. He can also be found on Twitter @Tom_Singer.