Adam LaRoche is hitting .304 — in April.

What in the name of Willie Stargell is going on?

LaRoche is a notorious slow starter. The Pirates would have been giddy if LaRoche hit his weight in the first month of the season.

His average the last two years in the month of April: .174 and .133.

Mr. April, he is not.

His surprising production is one of the reasons why the Pirates are off to a respectable 8-6 start after completing a three-game sweep of the once red-hot Florida Marlins Wednesday afternoon.

He’s not the only Bucco who is bucking the low expectations.

— Pitching staff. Reality: leading the National League in ERA. Expectation: leading the National League in Pee-Ew.

— The Brothers LaRoche. Reality: not playing like the Brothers Grim. Expectation: the worst set of brothers on the baseball field at the same time since Jose and Ozzie Canseco.

— Zack Duke. Reality: fewer hits surrendered than innings pitched. Expectation: fewer hits surrendered than the batting practice pitcher.

— Nyjer Morgan. Reality: Willie Mays. Expectation: Willie Mays Hayes.

— Ryan Doumit. Reality: injured by 13th game. Expectation: injured by 13th game.

Well, I guess some expectations came true.