Pittsburgh Pirates tie the Minnesota Twins 1-1

Gerrit Cole‘s second appearance of the spring was a mixed bag, as he gave up three hits, two walks, and a home run in three innings of work as the Pittsburgh Pirates tied the Minnesota Twins on a score of 1-1 on Monday in McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Florida.  The game was called after nine innings as neither team had brought enough pitchers to continue the game.

Seeing his first action in the outfield was Andrew McCutchen, who was once again patrolling center-field.  Josh Harrison, Neil Walker, Starling Marte, Gregory Polanco, and Jordy Mercer rounded out the projected-regulars who joined McCutchen in the field.

Going back to Cole’s outing, it was apparent from the start that he was shaky, as he walked the second batter he faced when Kurt Suzuki drew the free pass in the top of the first.  Cole settled down to get out of the inning only to give up the solo home run to Miguel Sano, the Twins’ designated hitter.

What Stood Out:

This was our first glimpse this spring of a lineup that may resemble an actual lineup when the games matter.  The regulars mentioned above combined to go 3-for-12, with the lone RBI coming on a well-struck double by Walker in the bottom of the first that scored McCutchen, who was on-base via a well-hit double of his own.

Chris Stewart was lifted after grounding out in the second inning.  At the time of this writing, there is no update to any possible injury but we will keep you posted.  Marte had a 1-for-3 day that was marred by two strikeouts and four total Pirates left on base, including a bases-loaded strikeout as he was caught looking on a breaking ball.  Andrew Lambo contnued to struggle at the plate, going 0-for-3 with a strikeout, but showing some good defense at first base.  Josh Harrison looked to be free from any nagging effects of his recent tweaked ankle.

Radhames Liz impressed by going for two clean, scoreless innings.  Arquimedes Caminero also had a clean inning bolstered by two strikeouts.

What’s Next: 

The Pittsburgh Pirates will visit the spring training home of the Tampa Bay Rays tomorrow, March 10 at 1:07 PM EST.  Francisco Liriano will be on the mound to see his second action of the spring.  As of this writing there is no probably starter listed for the Tampa Bay Rays.

We will update this post with video and lineups for tomorrow’s game as they become available.

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