Walker’s homer gives Bucs edge in 4-3 win over Phillies

Neil Walker’s two-run homer off of J.C. Ramirez in the sixth inning gave the Bucs the lead in the 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, FLA. on Saturday.

Walker is batting .294 this spring (six games).

Paul Maholm started for the Pirates, allowing just one run (a solo homer by Ben Francisco in the 2^nd inning) on four hits with two strikeouts over three innings.

“I’m right where I want to be,” Maholm said. “It’s getting more comfortable each time out. I felt a lot more comfortable today throwing inside. I missed a couple of them, but that’s part of getting through it. Now, for me, it’s flipping the switch. It’s time to make sure you mix all your pitches and get outs and go toward the season ready to go.”

The Phillies sent Cy Young award winner Roy Halladay to the mound. He allowed just one hit and two walks and struck out four through three innings.

With the tying run on second base in the ninth inning, Chris Leroux forced Freddy Glavis to fly into a double play to end the game.

Notes:

• Corey Wimberly, after being walked in the 7^th inning, stole both second and third base off of Phillies closer Brad Lidge. Jose Tabata and Pedro Ciriaco also stole a bag each. The Pirates have a grapefruit league leading 15 steals so far this spring.
• Lyle Overbay had a nice day at the plate going 2-for-3.
• Sean Gallagher pitched a perfect eighth inning, striking out one. In three innings (2 games) this spring, Gallagher has not given up a run or hit.
• Former Bucco Delwyn Young went 3-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored for the Phillies. He signed a minor league contract with Philly this offseason.
• Ronny Cedeno was scratched again from the lineup with a bruised right middle finger.
• Scot Olsen threw a bullpen session today without any issues.
• The Pirates will play the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday at McKechnie (1:05).

James McDonald will get the start. Joel Hanrahan, Chris Resop, Aaron Thompson, Daniel McCutchen, Justin Wilson, Jeff Locke, Justin Thomas are all scheduled to pitch.

Prior to the game, the Bucs will hold a Piratefest in front of the stadium from 10-12:30 pm.