Pirates fall to the Rays, 9-5
An early 2-0 lead blown as the Pirates fell to the Tampa Bay Rays 9-5, in the Grapefruit League opener.
Charlie Morton started for the Bucs, and he looked solid. He allowed just one hit and one walk through two innings of work.
The Pirates quickly took a 2-0 lead in the second inning when Ronny Cedeno, with the bases loaded, hit a fielders choice scoring a run. Jose Tabata followed with an RBI single.
Brad Lincoln, who is also battling Morton for the 5th spot in the rotation, allowed one run on three hits, striking out one through two innings. The lone run he allowed was a solo-home run by Third baseman Evan Longoria in the fourth inning. Lincoln also picked off Sean Rodriguez from second base –something that the pitchers have been working heavily on this spring training.
“It was the right timing, and I was fortunate enough to make a good throw,” Lincoln said. “It got me out of a big situation right there.”
Daniel Moskos pitched a scoreless, hitless inning, walking just one.
Things turned sour in the sixth inning when Daniel McCutchen allowed three earned runs on two hits and two walks.
Justin Thomas allowed four more runs to score in the seventh inning after Josh Fields made an error at first base.
The Pirates tried to rally in the ninth inning. Garrett Atkins hit a RBI double scoring Garrett Jones. Ryan Doumit grounded to second base scoring Atkins. But Josh Rodriguez striked out with two men on, to end the game.
Kristy Robinson
