Grapefruit League Game 17: Pittsburgh Pirates 5, Toronto Blue Jays 0

The Pittsburgh Pirates have now played 17 of the 33 games on their 2018 Grapefruit League schedule

On Sunday, the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Toronto Blue Jays by a score of 5-0. With the win, the Bucs are now 6-9-2 in Grapefruit League play.

Clay Holmes started for the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday and was excellent. In 3 innings pitched he allowed just a single hit, he did not issue a walk, and he fanned a pair.

The Pirates drew first blood in the top of the 1st inning on Sunday afternoon. Adam Frazier singled to start the game and would later score on a sacrifice fly by Josh Bell. This gave the Pirates a 1-0 lead after half an inning of play.

This lead would grow in the top of the 2nd inning. Kevin Kramer continued his great spring when he hit a RBI triple that scored Austin Meadows, who had previously walked, to make the score 2-0 Pirates. Then, a 2-run home run by Adam Frazier and a solo home run by Gregory Polanco made the score 5-0 Pirates.

This would be all the scoring the Pirates needed.

Non-roster invitees Casey Sadler, Damien Magnifico, and John Stilson all tossed a scoreless inning in relief of Holmes. Jack Leathersich added a scoreless inning, and Brett McKinney pitched a scoreless 8th and 9th inning to close out the 5-0 Pirate victory.

Notable offensive performances included Adam Frazier going 2-for-4 with a home run, Gregory Polanco going 1-for-3 with a home run, Elias Diaz going 0-for-1 with a walk, Josh Bell going 0-for-2 with a RBI, and Jose Osuna and Bryce Brentz going 1-for-3.

Next: Who will be in the Opening Day bullpen

Next up for the Pittsburgh Pirates is a 1:05 PM first pitch against the Baltimore Orioles on Monday afternoon back home at LECOM Park in Bradenton. Tyler Glasnow is scheduled to start for the Bucs, while the O’s will send Dylan Bundy to the mound.