Pirates Minor League Stats: Francisco Liriano, Jose Contreras Start Comebacks

February 17, 2013; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Francisco Liriano (47) poses for photo day at Pirate City. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis

Josh Harrison had three hits in his first start after being sent to AAA Indianapolis. Tony Sanchez had another hit, but struckout three times.  The Brandon-Inge-led Tribe now is 8-4 on the season after Jerry Sands, who has hit safely in six of his last seven games,  drove in the winning run.

Jordy Mercer started the three-run eighth which led the Indians to their victory.

The Tribe bullpen was dominant as relievers Duke Welker (2.2 IP, 1 H, 2 SO) and RHP Vic Black (1.0 IP, 2 SO) put up 3.2 innings of scoreless baseball in their relief effort.

RHP Gerrit Cole is scheduled to start for the Indians today.

Altoona

The Curve got shutout 2-0. and now have lost four straight.

Starter David Bromberg pitched another solid game for Altoona, who has seen some seriously good pitching early in the season.  Bromberg threw five innings in his first start of the season.

Casey Sadler will attempt to get the good fortune going for Altoona today.

Bradenton

Francisco Liriano struckout six.  Terribly efficient.  The lefty pitched the first three innings and faced the minimum number of batters, including four straight strikeouts.  Liriano got whiffs on all six of his punchouts.

Jose Contreras had one good scoreless inning in the fouth.  But the fifth wasn’t so kind as he gave up a two-run double to Wilfredo Gimenez.  Contreras was saddled with the loss because the Marauders only had one hit in the first six innings.

Bradenton had one runner reach third base…in the game.

West Virginia

Stetson Allie walked twice.  Josh Bell hit his eighth double.  Um…Raul Fortunato might be the best prospect you haven’t heard about.  Another day for Fortunato, more success…

Clay Holmes didn’t give up a run in 5 and a third.  Holmes walked two and struckout four.