Martin, who wears No. 55, has thrived on 5/5

PITTSBURGH -- If Russell Martin goes 5-for-5 in Sunday's game against the Nationals, don't be surprised. Just call it predestined.

May 5 ... 5/5 ... Cinco de Mayo -- or, as they say in Martin's French-Canadian home, Cinq Mai -- is his day.

Martin has worn No. 55 throughout his career. He made his Major League debut on May 5, 2006 -- totally coincidentally -- and went 2-for-4 with a pair of RBIs for the Dodgers against the Brewers.

He went into Sunday's game as a lifetime .385 (10-for-26) hitter on the date, with one homer and -- what else? -- five RBIs. In Sunday's 6-2 loss to the Nationals, he went 1-for-3 with an RBI single and also made a sliding catch at third base.

But here is the clincher:

In making out his lineup against Washington left-hander Gio Gonzalez, Pirates manager Clint Hurdle gave Martin his second start of the season at third base -- the "5" position on your scorecard.

Hurdle also listed Martin in the five-hole.

"Should be a great day," Martin said with a wink before taking the field.