Worth noting

• Karstens was back in the Pirates clubhouse, without any protection on the right arm operated only four days earlier, for cleanup of the rotator cuff and labrum -- further indication that doctors did not find as much damage as anticipated in the shoulder.

"It wasn't nearly as bad as it could've been. That's the first thing I was told, that there was no need for repairs, just a cleanup," said Karstens, who was careful to give left-handed shakes to well-wishers. "I wear a sling at night, but otherwise, nothing."

He is expected to be able to begin a throwing program in mid-September. Karstens signed a one-year contract as a free agent with the Pirates, who originally had non-tendered him.

• The last time the Giants were in PNC Park, last July, Andrew McCutchen had a showdown with Melky Cabrera in the National League batting race. This time around, he is in another race -- with Marco Scutaro providing his surprising competition.

Since the start of the 2012 season, McCutchen had 259 hits entering this series, the second-highest total of NL players. No. 1? Scutaro, with 266.

• The Bucs began this homestand having won seven straight one-run decisions at home, their longest such streak in 36 years, but only halfway to the 13 straight by the '77 club in Three Rivers Stadium.