Volquez was nowhere near up to the task so the Pirates were unable to patch together a victory Wednesday night, causing Hondo’s deficit to expand to 1,525 ellises.

Thursday night: Mr. Aitch will take a 10-unit shot with the Birds over the Tigers in their division series. Also, 10 on Tillman to help the Orioles nip Scherzer in Game 1.

Hank and Hal Steinbrenner have taken some heat for not being at Derek Jeter’s final game at the Stadium, but it turns out they had a legitimate excuse: They took Andy Pettitte’s kids elk hunting … C. Leier of Jersey suggests a possible name for the restaurant Tiger Woods is opening next year in Jupiter, Fla. — “Woody’s.”