NOTEBOOK | Pirates vs. Dodgers

Lefty problems: In their 1-7 start, the Pirates have faced a left-handed starting pitcher six times. The Bucs are 1-5 in those games. The Dodgers' starters for the remainder of this week's four-game series are righties.
Bay watch: Left-fielder Jason Bay went 1-5 to drop his batting average to .345. After going 0-for-4, Bay, the National League's 2004 Rookie of the Year, extended his hitting streak to six with a bases-empty single in the ninth inning.
Turnover: Eleven players from last year's Pirates opening day lineup were active Monday. The most prominent newcomers are first baseman Sean Casey, outfielder Jeromy Burnitz and pitchers Roberto Hernandez and Victor Santos.
Struggles of youth: Pirates starter Zach Duke, 22, was one of the 14 players not on last year's opening roster. Duke said he struggled with his mechanics, saying keeping his balance was a problem. "I was frustrated out there but at the same time I have to try and figure out a way to get through it. I was happy that I was able to give the team five innings -- I just wish they had been of more quality," said Duke who was 8-2 as a rookie with an earned-run average of 1.81. "It's just one game -- hopefully I can get back out there and do better. There were some things I feel I can learn from today and hopefully I can build on them. Next time, I hope to go out there more prepared." Duke said he struggled because I wasn't giving myself the chance to get balanced. Pitching mechanics [requires] balance and I didn't feel I was giving myself that chance today."
Coming up: Right-hander Ian Snell (0-0, 7.20 ERA) will pitch against the Dodgers' Jae Seo (0-0, 9.00) in today's game at 7:05 p.m. Wednesday, left-hander Paul Maholm (0-1, 7.50 ERA) will pitch against the Dodgers' Brett Tomko (1-0, 4.50) in a 7:05 p.m. game. Thursday, lefty Oliver Perez (0-1, 6.23) will battle Derek Lowe (0-1, 7.36) in a 12:35 p.m. game. Fox Sports Pittsburgh will televise the first two games.
PNC Park openers: The Pirates are 2-4 in home openers in PNC Park. Last year, they lost to the Brewers, 9-2. In 2004, they defeated the Phillies, 2-1.
Dodgers and Bucs: Monday's home opener was the Pirates' third against the Dodgers. In 1956, the Pirates lost to Brooklyn, 5-0, at Forbes Field. In 1997, the Bucs lost, 7-1, to the Dodgers at Three Rivers Stadium. The Bucs' homestand continues with three games against the Cubs (Friday and Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon) and the Cardinals (Monday and Tuesday evenings and Wednesday afternoon).
Familiar faces: The Dodgers feature several coaches and players with Cleveland or Pittsburgh connections. Manager Grady Little was Charlie Manuel's bench coach for the Indians in 2000-01. Third-base coach Rich Donnelly coached many years for the Pirates. Hitting coach Eddie Murray served the same role for the Indians from 2002-05 and played for the Tribe for 1994-96. Backup catcher Sandy Alomar was the Tribe's backstop for most of the '90s. Other former Indians are second baseman Jeff Kent, reliever Danys Baez and outfielder Ricky Ledee.
Special guests: Actor Michel Keaton, a Coraopolis native, threw out the first pitch. Kimberly Locke from "American Idol's" second season sang "The Star-Spangled Banner."
Tom Williams