The Pirates went just 2-for-14 with runners in scoring position (RISP) on Wednesday afternoon, losing to the Minnesota Twins 4-2.

“When you’ve got at-bats and things need to happen at the plate – whether you need to move runners or get bunts down – you don’t always perform,” Manager Clint Hurdle said. “You don’t always execute and get the result, but the intent is there. We had a couple of guys try to work the ball to right with a runner at second base. We tried to get a bunt down and the execution was a little shabby, but the commitment was there.”

“We’ve got work to do,” Hurdle said. “I’m seeing focus and intent; it gets down to execution.”

Ross Ohlendorf pitched 1.2 innings (pulled early due to pitch count) with one unearned run, two hits, one walk and four strike outs.

Ohlendorf did not throw a changeup to left-handers during his outing and did throw a few out to righties.

“I felt really good with how I was throwing,” Ohlendorf said. “This is the best I have felt in Spring Training in a couple of years. Especially coming off the shoulder injury at the end of the season, it’s important to have that behind me.”

Ohlendorf pitched ahead to most of the batters he faced and looked really good out on the mound.

Jose Tabata (who went 3-for-3 with two stolen bases) singled in Andrew Lambo in the fifth inning.

Joel Hanrahan had a rough outing against the Twins. He allowed a home run to the first batter he faced (Hughes) three hits, walked one, struck out one and was pulled with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth.

Steve Pearce doubled in the ninth inning and Dusty Brown singled him home for the second run of the game. It was the Pirates second attempt for a late inning rally in the past three games.

Notes:

• During the fifth inning, Andrew McCutchen hit three straight balls down the third base line where Jose Tabata was. He jumped over the ball two straight times and after the third one hit by him, he put his hand on his hip and the stadium was laughing. –Just a funny story I thought you might enjoy.
• Michael Crotta threw two innings, allowing two hits with one strikeout.

Crotta has had a nice spring with the Pirates so far.

“I’ve heard about him — heavy sink with a big arm,” Hurdle said. “I’m glad he got out there for a second inning. The sink wasn’t the same second inning, but for him to pitch through that and not give up a run was good. He’s got the attention of some people.”

Matt Diaz, Pedro Ciriaco, Josh Rodriguez taking batting pratice prior to the game.

Ohlendorf, Joe Beimel, Brian Burres, Sean Gallagher working out prior to the game.

Ryan Doumit working on catching drills.