Pirates Will Not Be Undefeated in Grapefruit League

Feb 28, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Gaby Sanchez (17) at bat during the second inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Toronto Blue Jays defeated Pittsburgh Pirates 4-2. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Pirates lost to the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 in Dunedin.

Gerrit Cole gave up a pair of runs in the first inning, struck out two (both looking in the second inning) and recorded three groundball outs.  Jameson Taillon pitched two scoreless retiring six of the seven Blue Jay hitters he faced while allowing just one hit.

The really bad news is that Phil Irwin was scratched from pitching, but a reason wasn’t given.  The not so bad, but frustrating news was Andy Oliver walked the bases loaded in the fifth inning.  Oliver was saddled with the loss.

The offensive standouts for the Bucs were Pedro Alvarez ripped a pair of doubles early in the game.  His teammates plated him for both of the Pirates runs.   But the Bucs were punchless late in the game which reversed a trend seen in the first two games against the Yankees.

Matt Hague drove in El Toro with a single.  Hague also drew a walk.  Gaby Sanchez ripped an RBI double and then committed a TOOTBLAN.  Brent Morel had a hit in two at-bats during his Spring Training debut.

Feb 28, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) pitches during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

MUCH RESPECT:  Tony Sanchez gets held hitless.  USA Today still loves him.

USELESS, OVERANALYTICAL STAT OF THE DAY:  The Pirates top three hitters went hitless:  Starling Marte, Clint Barmes and Jose Tabata.  Also, none of them have had a hit this Spring Training.

All eyes will be in Wandy Rodriguez tomorrow as the Pirates take on the much improved Tampa Bay Rays.