? Facing Houston Astros right-hander Russ Ortiz during the fourth inning Thursday, Pirates backup catcher Jason Jaramillo rolled a single into right field for hit first major-league hit. It also was Jaramillo's first start in the majors. "There were some butterflies in the beginning, but I settled down after the first inning," he said.
? Pirates outfielder Nyjer Morgan doubled in the first inning, tripled in the second and singled in the seventh. When he stepped to the plate in the ninth, was he thinking about hitting for the cycle? "Oh, yeah, I was trying to hit a home run," Morgan said. "Didn't you see my first cut?" Morgan wound up grounding into a fielder's choice. ? After starting this season 0-for-18, Pirates third baseman Andy LaRoche finally got a hit -- a sixth-inning single to right field against the Astros' Chris Sampson.
? A group of Penguins -- including coach Dan Bylsma and players Jordan Staal, Max Talbot, Tyler Kennedy, Bill Guerin and Kris Letang -- attended yesterday's game.
? Brad Lincoln pitched last night for Double-A Altoona, becoming the third No. 1 draft pick to start a home opener for the Curve. Sean Burnett (2002) and Paul Maholm ('05) also did it.
? The jerseys and Pittsburgh Bureau of Police caps worn by both teams during the home opener are being auctioned online at www.Pirates.com. All items have been autographed and authenticated. Proceeds will benefit the Fallen Heroes Fund to help support the families of the three city police officers recently killed while on duty.
Digits
7 -- Weekday games at PNC Park this season with a 12:35 p.m. starting time.
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