Grapefruit League Game 2: New York Yankees 4, Pittsburgh Pirates 1

The Pittsburgh Pirates hosted the New York Yankees at LECOM Park in the second game of their Grapefruit League schedule on Saturday afternoon

Game 2 of the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 33 game Grapefruit League schedule is in the books.

Right-handed pitching prospect Nick Kingham started for the Pirates on Saturday. Kingham allowed a pair of singles while also striking out a pair in 2 innings of work.

Clay Holmes then replaced Kingham. After tossing a scoreless 3rd inning, Holmes ran into trouble in the top of the 4th inning. After a pair of walks and a Clint Frazier single loaded the bases, Sean Keselica replaced Holmes.

Keselica recorded a strikeout before allowing a RBI single to Erik Kratz. This gave the Yankees a 1-0 lead. In 1 1/3 innings pitched, Holmes allowed a pair of hits and issued 3 walks.

The Pittsburgh Pirates had an opportunity to score in the bottom of the 1st inning. Walks by Josh Harrison and Starling Marte and a David Freese single loaded the bases. However, Jordy Mercer then hit into an inning ending 1-4-6-3 double play.

Gregory Polanco then got the Bucs on the board in the bottom of the 5th inning. This occurred when he launched a solo home run.

Michael Feliz made his spring debut for the Pirates in the top of the 5th inning. He did so in impressive fashion as he struck out the side in order and swinging. Fellow newcomer Kyle Crick then worked around a single to pitch a scoreless top of the 6th inning.

Rule 5 Draft selection Jordan Milbrath pitched the top of the 7th inning. With the help of a double play, Milbrath worked around shoddy defense and a walk to post a zero. Lefty Jack Leathersich then used a pair of strikeouts to help work out of a runners on first and second with no one out jam in the top of the 8th inning.

Non-roster invitee Richard Rodgiruez entered the game in the top of the 9th inning. After issuing a walk and allowing a single, Rodriguez allowed a 3-run home run to Billy McKinney. This gave the Yankees a 4-1 lead.

Josh Harrison batted leadoff on Saturday and went 0-for-1 with a walk, Starling Marte also finished 0-for-1 with a walk. Gregory Polanco also recorded a single to go with his solo home run, while David Freese and Sean Rodriguez both went 1-for-2.

Jose Osuna and Jordy Mercer both went 0-for-2. Highly touted shortstop prospect Cole Tucker went 1-for-2 with a double, but also committed an error in the field.

Next: Bucs add hard throwing lefty to bullpen mix

Next up for the Pirates is a Sunday afternoon matinee with Opening Day opponent Detroit. First pitch between the Bucs and Tigers is scheduled for 1:05.