Charlie Morton having improved success vs. lefties

Pirates starting pitcher Charlie Morton is having better success against left-handed batters in 2013. Lefties are batting .276 with a .833 OPS against the right-hander this season, as opposed to batting .327 with a .914 OPS last season.

Morton used the inside part of the plate more often against lefties Monday against the Nationals. He was inspired after watching A.J. Burnett pitch inside against Reds slugger Jay Bruce Saturday.

"A.J. is a big fan of pitching inside to lefties," catcher Russell Martin said. "They've got about the same kind of movement on their fastballs. Charlie had that aggressive mindset, and it worked out for him."