Results tagged ‘ jose veras ’
Pirates hang on to win see-saw game against Reds, 7-6
The Pittsburgh Pirates hung on to win a back-and-forth game, that was headlined by Andrew McCutchen’s big day at the plate, against the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday afternoon, 7-6.
Mccutchen went 3-for-3 with two walks, a home run, two RBI and a run scored.
McCutchen told Lacee Collins of Root Sports, “It was definitely good…Just to be able to come through. I couldn’t do it without the guys getting on base. We just played a hard nine innings today and that’s what we have to do against a team like the Reds. They are a great team. They pitch well, they hit well, so we just have to play hard nine innings and we were able to do that today.”
“I’m just comfortable in general,” McCutchen said when asked if he was comfortable batting lead-off. “It doesn’t matter where I’m at, I’m just comfortable. I’m starting to feel better, starting to feel good…and watch out!”
The Pirates quickly got to Edison Volquez in the 1st inning. Andrew McCutchen and Jose Tabata hit back-to-back homers to give the Bucs a 2-0 lead. It marked the first time the Pirates have lead-off a game with back-to-back homers since July 5, 1982 and just the third time in Franchise history.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Root Sports, “It was an awful good game for him [McCutchen]. He’s been working hard, battling and believing in himself…This kid’s a good player. He was the aggressor today across the board for us in offense. We need him to go at the top.”
The runs didn’t stop there. Volquez walked Lyle Overbay and Neil Walker doubled off the wall -his fifth double this season. Garrett Jones drew a walk to load the bases. Chris Syder walked to bring home a run and Ronny Cedeno hit a sac fly, giving the Bucs a 4-0 lead. Volquez threw 33 pitches in the frame and faced nine batters. His first inning ERA shot up to 29.25 this season. Volquez ERA after the first inning? Just 1.93.
Jeff Karstens left a slider down the middle of the plate, and Jonny Gomes hit a solo home run to cut the lead to 4-1 in the 2nd inning. It was the third homer by Gomes in the past two games against the Pirates.
Karstens got Scott Rolen and Jonny Gomes to strike out, then he allowed three straight hits and a run to score in the 4th.
After pitching four good innings, Karstens ran into trouble in the 5th. He gave up a solo-home run to Miguel Cairo to bring the game within one run. Scott Rolen hit a RBI double to tie the game at four. Manager Clint Hurdle brought in Daniel McCutchen from the ‘pen, and he allowed a single by Jay Bruce to score Rolen, the go-ahead run.
Karstens allowed five runs on eight hits with one walk and six strikeouts over 4.1 innings (76 pitches).
The Pirates fought back in the 6th inning. Garrett Jones -who finished the day 2-for-4 with a run, a walk and a RBI — hit his third homer of the season to tie the game back up at 5. It was the third home run that Volquez gave up to the Bucs in the game.John Bowker hit a pinch-hit two-out double off the center field wall to score Ronny Cedeno and put the Bucs back on top, 6-5.
Volquez allowed six runs on five hits with six walks and six strikeouts over 5.2 innings.
Jay Bruce hit a 1-1 fastball off Jose Veras for a solo-shot in the 7th inning to tie the game at 6.
McCutchen singled off of Logan Ondrusek to center field to score Chris Snyder in the 8th and put the Pirates back on top for what would be the game winning run. Ondrusek suffered his first loss of his career after winning seven straight.
Joel Hanrahan was called upon for a five out save in the 8th inning with runners on first and second with one out. Hanrahan threw just four pitches as Rolen lined out to shortstop Cedeno, who doubled off Cairo at second base to end the threat, and inning.
With a one run lead, the inning was a bit wild for Hanrahan. With one out, Jay Bruce singled on a ground ball. Catcher Chris Snyder threw the ball over the head of first baseman Lyle Overbay but Neil Walker was behind the bag to retrieve it. He then threw the ball to Overbay, who tagged Bruce out after he rounded the bag toward second.
Hanrahan allowed back-to-back singles to Edgar Renteria and Paul Janish and threw a wild pitch to advance both runners. Ryan Hanigan then drew a walk to load the bases. Hanrahan fell behind 2-0 to Jay Bruce, but got him to fly out to center to end the ballgame.
Chris Resop told Root Sports, A crazy game, but in the end we won. It got a little scary in the end there, but hey, it’s part of the game.”
Hanrahan picked up his fifth save as the Pirates beat the Reds, 7-6. If the Bucs can defeat the Reds on Monday, it will mark their third road series win this season.
Three run 8th costly for Bucs, lose 6-4 to Rockies
The Colorado Rockies broke open a tie game in the 8th inning after scoring three runs off of Jose Veras, as they went on to beat the Pirates, 6-4.
After a leadoff walk to Jonathan Herrera and a single to Carlos Gonzalez, Veras struck out the next two Rockies in a row. Jose Lopez was hit by a pitch to load to the bases and former Bucco Ty Wigginton came to the plate.
Wigginton took the first pitch down the left field line for a bases clearing double to give the Rockies a 6-3 lead.
Veras told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “I tried to come in and set up my breaking ball, maybe (get) a broken-bat rollover. That was the pitch that cost me the game.”
Right-hander Charlie Morton made his second start of the season on Saturday. He allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits with five walks and one strikeouts over seven innings (92 pitches).
Morton told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “If the plate was moved over a foot toward the right-hander’s batter’s box, I’d be in a lot better shape. I wasn’t spraying balls everywhere. I was missing down and in to righties and away to lefties.”
Morton got off to a shaky start in the first inning. He allowed a lead off walk to Dexter Fowler, who stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Ryan Doumit. Morton walked the next batter, Herrera to put runners on the corners with no outs.
Gonzalez hit into a 6-4-3 double play but Fowler scored to give the Rockies a 1-0 lead. Morton got Troy Tulowitzki to fly out to escape the inning.
Morton threw 17 pitches in the inning, just five for strikes.
Lyle Overbay hit a lead off double off of right-hander Greg Reynolds in the 2nd. Two batters later, Ryan Doumit hit a two-run homer to right center to give the Bucs a 2-1 lead. The homer marked Doumit’s 48th as a Bucco. He is now tied with Smoky Burgess and Manny Sanguillen for fourth place on the club’s all-time homer list.
The Rockies tied the game at 2 in the 3rd inning after Morton allowed walking Fowler (for a second time in as many innings) and a RBI single by Gonzalez.
Jose Lopez homered off Morton in the 6th to put the Rockies back on top, 3-2.
The Pirates tied the game back up at 3 after Matt Diaz hit a RBI single to score Ryan Doumit.
The Rockies blew the game open in the 8th after three runs scored off of Jose Veras.
Jose Tabata hit a solo-home run in the bottom of the 8th inning to cut the lead to, 6-4, and extend his hitting streak to nine games. Tabata also hit a home run during last night’s game.
Kevin Correia pitched the 9th inning for the Bucs. He needed just nine pitches to retire the side.
The Pirates threatened in the bottom of the inning after both Matt Diaz and Jason Jaramillo singled, but Steve Pearce hit into a 6-4-3 double play to end the game.
Ohlendorf DL; McCutchen recalled; Injury updates
- Right-hander Ross Ohlendorf was placed on the 15-day disabled list on Saturday afternoon with right shoulder posterior strain. Ohlendorf exited Friday’s game in the 3rd inning after experiencing some discomfort.
Ohlendorf told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I don’t think it will take as long [to heal] as last time. I feel much better than I did last year when I got hurt.”
“It’s frustrating, but at this point, I can’t really do anything about it except work to get back. Anytime you go on the DL, it’s tough. In the past, I really haven’t been hurt that much. It’s kind of surprising and frustrating.”
- The Pirates re-called righty Daniel McCutchen from Triple-A Indianapolis to fill his roster spot.
- Due to the 14-inning, 5 hour game on Friday night, the Pirates are short arms from the bullpen for Saturday’s game.
Jeff Kartsens, Chris Resop and Garrett Olson are not able to pitch today due to the pitch counts from last night.
Mike Crotta is also unlikely due to pitching on back-to-back nights.
Evan Meek is unavailable to throw because of right shoulder tightness.
That leaves Joel Hanrahan, McCutchen and Jose Veras available from the bullpen.
Starters Paul Maholm and Kevin Correia could pitch an inning of work, if needed, since it’s their day to throw on the side.
- The Pirates have not announced who will fill the 3rd spot in the rotation for Ohlendorf.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “We don’t need to make a decision yet on that, so we’re just going to go TBA. We’ve got to see how everything plays out. We’ve got to get through the next two days, and then we’ll evaluate from there.”
- Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com also reports that Meek is feeling better, but will not throw until Tuesday for precautionary reasons.
Meek did throw long toss on Saturday.
He told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I’m still not feeling quite 100 percent. The whole point right now is just [that] there’s no point in throwing me out there and risking something happening where it’s going to take me a week or two weeks to come back. It’s not something that’s serious, but it is something that they want to give me a few extra days.”
- Right-hand pitcher Brad Lincoln will be making the start for Triple-A Indianapolis on Sunday, not High-A Bradenton, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports.
Lincoln will be filling in for Daniel McCutchen, who the Pirates re-called from AAA earlier today.
Lincoln is rehabbing a right forearm contusion. He was struck in the arm by a line drive by the Phillies Jimmy Rollins late in the spring.
He is scheduled to throw about four innings (65 pitches).
Post game News and Notes 4/8
- The Texas Rangers claimed right-hander Ramon Aguero off waivers from the Pirates on Friday. Aguero was designated for assignment last week in order to place right-hander Jose Veras on the 40-man roster.
Aguero did not appear in any regular season games for the Pirates. He allowed two runs on two hits over 1.2 innings with three walks and two strikeouts during spring training.
Lefty Joe Beimel (left elbow) made a rehab appearance in the High-A Bradenton Marauders game on Friday. He pitched a scoreless inning of work, allowing all groundouts.
Catcher Chris Snyder (lower back) caught the High-A Bradenton Marauders game on Friday. He went 3-for-3 with a double, home run and six RBI.
Snyder is eligible to come off the disabled list on Saturday.
- Jason Jaramillo is currently serving as the Bucs backup catcher. His fate with the ball club could be effected once Snyder is reactivated from the DL.
Jaramillo told Colin Dunlap of the Post-Gazette, “You don’t wish any ill will on anyone. I hope he gets healthy, he is a big part of the club. But, at the same time, I feel like I can be a big part of the club as well.”
Jaramillo is 4-for-13 in three starts this season (.308 avg) with a RBI, walk and a stolen base. He also hit the game tying run in the 6th inning of Friday’s game.
- Rockies Manager Jim Tracy managed the Pirates from 2005-07. He was aware of Andrew McCutchen, who was in Triple-A by the time Tracy’s tenure came to an end.
Tracy told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I’ve never seen the guy go to first base where I didn’t see a full, 100 percent effort every time he hit the ball. That’s a great place to start. When he plays the game, you don’t really know whether the Pirates are winning, losing or whatever. You just know that Andrew McCutchen is out there, this is how he plays, and this is how he’s going to continue to play for nine innings. You’ve got to love that type of player.”
“I was with him when he was 18 years old, walking around in our clubhouse when he wasn’t allowed to have a razor. He wasn’t old enough to have a razor. To see this guy grow into becoming the player he has become, he’s a special kid and he’s been that way since the first day I ever met him. When you sart talking about championship-caliber players, in my opinion that’s the criteria that has to be fulfilled in order to become that type of guy. That’s exactly who he is.”
Tabata, Bullpen, victorious in 14 inning walk-off
After 14 innings and five hours and 11 minutes, the Pittsburgh Pirates delivered a walk-off win in the bottom of the 14th inning to win, 4-3, at PNC Park during the early hours of Saturday.
Josh Rodriguez drew a walk off of Franklin Morales and Jose Tabata hit a double off the Roberto Clemente wall to score the winning run.
Since the run came after midnight, the win came on the 10th birthday of PNC Park.
Jose Tabata told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I’m looking for one pitch. I’m thinking if he throws a fastball, I’ll [take] a good swing. When he threw the pitch, I swung the bat. I stayed with my approach, middle-away, and [you] see what happened.”
The Colorado Rockies took advantage of right-hander Ross Ohlendorf’s early struggles. After allowing a leadoff walk to Dexter Fowler and a single by Jonathan Herrera, Jason Giambi launched a three-home run into the right field seats. The Rockies quickly took a 3-0 lead.
That was the only run the Rockies would score through the 14 inning game.
Ohlendorf was pulled after 2.2 innings with right shoulder discomfort.
The Pirates bullpen, which consisted of Jeff Karstens, Mike Crotta, Jose Veras, Joel Hanrahan, Chris Resop and Garrett Olson, pitched 11.1 innings allowing six hits, no runs, seven walks and 12 strikeouts.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the 11.1 scoreless innings by the Bucs bullpen was the longest by the club in a game since 1900.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Colin Dunlap of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, “My goodness, Scoreless? That’s a good hitting team over there. Our guys stepped it up. Every single one of them. There will be a couple who won’t be able to go [Saturday].”
The Pirates tacked on a run each of the 4th, 5th, and 6th innings.
After back-to-back walks to Neil Walker and Andrew McCutchen by Jorge De La Rosa, Matt Diaz grounded to short in a 10 pitch at-bat, to score Walker and cut the lead, 3-1.
Jose Tabata hit his first home run of the season, as well as the first home run hit by a Bucco at PNC Park this year in the 5th inning.
Matt Belise walked both Lyle Overbay and Pedro Alvarez in the 6th, and Jason Jaramillo hit a RBI single to right field to tie the game at 3.
The Pirates showed their patience at the plate on Friday, after walking for a total of eight times.
The Rockies had plenty of chances during the late innings to score the go-ahead run. After Chris Resop allowed a lead-off double to Herrera, Carlos Gonzalez lined to shortstop. Troy Tulowitzki was intentionally walked and Jose Morales struck out for the second out. Seth Smith drew a walk to load the bases. Ty Wigginton hit a liner to third base but Pedro Alvarez made a spectacular play, diving for the ball and then threw from one knee to first baseman Lyle Overbay to end the inning.
The Pirates were out of bench players and only right-hander Evan Meek was left in the Pirates bullpen. It was reported that he was not available to pitch and even tried to convince the staff to let him warm up, if needed.
During the bottom of the 14th, and Josh Rodriguez on first base with two outs, Jose Tabata stepped up to the plate. Rockies Manager Jim Tracy received a lot of critism for not walking Tabata to get to Garrett Olson, who was on deck.
Although, it didn’t appear that way. Manager Clint Hurdle sent Andrew McCutchen to the on deck circle in hopes Tracy didn’t realize the batting order (There was a double switch in the 10th inning, so the pitcher was batting in the two hole).
It proved out to be the game winning play, as Jose Tabata hit a double off of the Roberto Clemente wall to score Josh Rodriguez and win in the 14th inning.
Colin Dunlap of the Post-Gazette asked Hurdle if it was a decoy to make Tracy think McCutchen was up next, “No, come on, why would we do that,” Hurdle said with a sly chuckle.
What was Manager Jim Tracy’s reasoning? “To walk him into scoring position … I know they have somebody over there that maybe takes a swing and not have to hit the ball very far at all to end up winning the game that way also,” he said.
An incredible ending for the Pirates on their first win at home this season.
Jeff Karstens, who pitched 3.1 innings after taking over after Ohlendorf was injured, told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com, “I don’t even think words can describe what we did tonight. Just guy after guy came out; the situation didn’t matter, they just kept pitching. We were able to get out of it.”
Hurdle added, “My goodness. That’s a good hitting team over there. Our guys stepped it up tonight, every single one.”
Post Game Notes: Game 1 (Apr. 1st)
Neil Walker’s grand slam was the highlight of the Pirates 6-3 win over the Cubs on Opening Day, but overall it was a good win for the team.
Some post game notes:
- Kevin Correia told Lacee Collins of Root Sports after the game, “It was a good game. It was sloppy conditions out there and I kind of had to just get in front of balls and make one out at a time. We did a good job at that. We cashed in big when [Neil] Walker hit the grand slam and after that we really didn’t have any inning where we gave them a chance to get back in the game.”
On his perfect bunt in the 5th inning that kept the rally going: “I got the bunt down when I needed to. You’d be surprised if you look back at all the big innings the team has during the year when the pitcher did something that inning to keep it going, get a hit, or move guys over. It is important. It is something we are focusing on.”
- Manager Clint Hurdle told Root Sports during his post game press conference, “Many times you’ll see younger players get outside the strike zone or expand because they want to be ‘the guy’. We’ve taught long and hard about it. If the pitcher gives you a chance to be the guy, then you be the guy. But if he doesn’t, put the bat down, get on down the line and let the next guy be ‘the guy’. That’s pretty much what happened.”
On Kevin Correia’s opening day performance: “We didn’t defend as well as we should have behind him. He pitched very, very efficiently. Good mix, kept the ball out of the middle of the plate…He pitched. Controlled bat speed and pitched. A very, very good first outing for Kevin [Correia]. For our ball club, put us in a good place in the game.”
On the Pirates overall performance: “Two big swings at the bat played at six. We pitched very well off the mound. We brought some big fastballs late. Evan [Meek] and Joel [Hanrahan] obviously showed they’re healthy. [Jose] Veras got 3 and 4 hitters in the 7th so it was a good day for the Pirates.”
- Right-hander James McDonald did arrive to the Windy City last night and was at the game today. Manager Clint Hurdle has said that he will start on April 5th In St. Louis.
- The Pirates are scheduled to face six right-handed starters during the six-game road trip, but Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that Matt Diaz won’t be sitting on the bench. Manager Clint Hurdle said Diaz will still get some playing time to stay fresh. Diaz is the starting right-fielder against left-handers.
- Pirates No. 1 prospect Jameson Taillon let fans know on twitter where he will be starting the season. “For anyone wondering.. Few starts in extended ST to keep improving delivery and let weather in WV get better .”
- The Pirates will face the Chicago cubs on Saturday for the second of a three game series on opening weekend.
Left-hander Paul Maholm will face Right-hander Carlos Zambrano at 1:05 PM/ET.
Mike Crotta makes the Bucs 25-man roster
Dejan Kovaceivc of the Post Gazette reports that Right-hander Mike Crotta will make the 25-man roster. The Pirates have not yet made the announcement.
With that move, Right-hander Chris Leroux looks to be the odd man out unless James McDonald isn’t healthy enough to start with the team or they decide to not use Garrett Olson (the only lefty).
Crotta, a 26-year-old right-hander, spent the 2010 season with both Double-A Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis where he went 7-10 with a 4.42 ERA in 28 starts (156.2 innings) combined.
Manager Clint Hurdle told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com after just two appearances this spring, “He’s definitely got the attention of some people. He’s pitching with purpose.”
Crotta has allowed just three runs (two earned) over 12.1 innings with two walks and four strikeouts.
Leroux allowed five runs on 13 hits over 10.2 innings with three walks and five strikeouts this spring.
Leroux told Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com recently, “I’ve been working on a lot on my mechanics, [which are] almost totally different than I used to be when I came into camp. I’m working on following through. I tend to come up when I finish, and that leaves the ball up sometimes. My front step, I need to keep my front side closed, and it’s just a bunch of different things. My mind’s racing a mile a minute when I’m out there.”
“I always like to think that I have a chance of making it. But now with all my mechanical changes, I realize that it’s going to be a process.”
Nothing is official just yet, but the pitching staff for 2011 would look as follows:
Starters: Kevin Correia, Paul Maholm, Ross Ohlendorf, Charlie Morton, James McDonald
Bullpen: Joel Hanrahan, Evan Meek, Jeff Karstens, Chris Resop, Jose Veras, Garrett Olson, Mike Crotta
*Photo Credit: Yahoo!Sports
Biemel not ready; the making of the bullpen
As it was reported earlier, Joe Beimel will not start the season with the club. Beimel (left elbow) threw a bullpen session on Thursday without issue and is scheduled to throw again on Sunday. He says he is 100 percent healthy but needs time to get into game shape.
Beimel told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “I started looking at the calendar and realized it was going to be pretty hard to do,” Beimel said. “I’m not going to go out there if all my stuff isn’t working. I don’t want to have to rush to get ready for a date that doesn’t really mean anything. It is Opening Day, but I’m looking to be healthy for the entire season. I think this will work out to be best for myself and for the team.”
Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports that Beimel will remain in Florida when the team heads to Philadelphia for two exhibition games. He will continue to get work in minor league games. If Beimel is not ready by April 7th, when the minor league season starts, he could join one of the Pirates minor league affiliates to get work there.
Although the team has not officially announced who will make the ‘pen, Manager Clint Hurdle said there are some relievers who are “definitively in.”
Joel Hanrahan has been named the closer and Evan Meek was named the set-up man. Long reliever Jeff Karstens, Chris Resop and Veteran Jose Veras are most certainty in the bullpen as well.
With Beimel out of the mix, Jenifer Langosch of MLB.com reports the following relievers are in the mix for the two open bullpen spots: Left-handers Garrett Olson and Brian Burres, Chris Leroux and Rookie Mike Crotta.
Olson has made two appearances with the Pirates since being acquired from Seattle. He’s allowed three runs on three hits over two innings with two walks and one strike out.
Burres has made five appearances this spring (two starts). He’s allowed six runs on 15 hits over 14 innings with five walks and seven strikeouts.
Leroux has allowed four runs on 10 hits over 8.2 innings with three walks and two strikeouts.
Crotta has not allowed an earned run this spring (10.1 innings). He’s allowed just four hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
Day 39 of Pirates spring training: news and notes
The Pirates will face the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte today at 1:05. You can listen to the free webcast here.
Charlie Morton will start for the Pirates and throw about 80 pitches. He will face right-hand pitcher Jeff Neimann. Joel Hanrahan and Jose Veras are also scheduled to pitch.
- Morton, who was named into the Bucs rotation on Thursday, told Langosch of MLB.com, “I feel different from last year in the sense that I feel more confident going into the season,” Morton said. “I think there were some questions last year in my mind going into the season, but I think getting beat up last year kind of taught me a lot of things. I’m really looking forward to getting on the mound. I’m really excited.”
- Earlier this morning, the Pirates cut five players from camp: pitchers Sean Gallagher, Daniel McCutchen and Tyler Yates, Infielder Josh Fields and Catcher Wyatt Torregas (read more here).
- The Pirates also announced that left-hander Joe Beimel will not be ready to start the season with the club. He’s been struggling to get healthy due to left elbow soreness. General Manager Neal Huntington told Colin Dunlap of the Post Gazette, “The goal is to have Joe healthy for not just the start of the season, but for a large portion of the season for us. As it stands now, the best way for that to happen is to approach things this way.
Biemel is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Sunday.
- Brad Lincoln threw from 120 feet today and it was reported that he felt fine afterwards. Lincoln is sidelined due to a right forearm contusion (line drive by Jimmy Rollins).
- Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune tweeted some interesting information today. Pirates source tells me team will NOT release Doumit ($5.1M this yr) if trade cannot be worked out. “He still has offensive value to us.”
Pirates
Lineup: Ciriaco CF, Rodriguez SS, Bowker LF, Doumit C, Pearce 3B, Diaz RF, Marte 1B, Wimberly 2B, Morton RHP
Pitchers: Morton, Hanrahan, Veras
Rays
Lineup: Zobrist RF, Johnson 2B, Longoria 3B, Ramirez DH, Johnson 1B, Upton CF, Shoppach C, Brignac SS, Fuld LF
Pitchers: Neiman, Cruz, Farnsworth, Peralta
Morton dominant, Pirates beat Astros, 3-1
Charlie Morton pitched six shutout innings against the Houston Astros in Kissimmee, Fla., on Sunday afternoon. The Pirates went on to win the ballgame 3-1.
Morton, who only pitched four innings his last start, allowed just four hits (two in the first, two in the fifth innings), no runs and walked none with five strikeouts. His ERA this spring is just 1.29.
Morton became the first Bucs starter to finish six innings this spring.
Charlie Morton told Rob Biertempfel of the Tribune, “I got some good feedback from some of the guys in their clubhouse. When the hitters are saying, ‘You’re doing a good job getting me out,’ that’s good. Let’s stick with that.”
So what is the reasoning for all the success from Charlie? Colin Dunlap of the Pittsburgh-Post Gazette reports:
Pitching coach Ray Searage said that Morton has dropped down ever-so-slightly as he comes to the plate. Think of a clock — Charlie used to come from somewhere around where the 11 is. He is now dropped down just slightly, more around where the 10 would be. Searage imparted that is where Morton’s natural delivery — he feels — should come from and the angle that gives Charlie the best chance of getting people out. Looks like it has worked so far in spring training, huh?
Josh Fields doubled, then Ronny Cedeno hit a two-run homerun to left (his 2nd of the spring ) in the 2nd inning to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead.
Andy Marte singled and Ryan Doumit followed with an RBI double giving the Pirates a 3-0 lead.
The lone Astros run came in the ninth inning when Bengie Gonzalez, 20, who was up from minor league camp, committed an error.
Gonzalez went on to commit three more at shortstop over a span of three innings.
Notes:
- Evan Meek (7th) and Chris Leroux (8th) each pitched a perfect inning of work.
- Mike Crotta allowed his first walk of the spring in the 9th inning. He has yet to allow an earned run this spring over 9.1 innings.
- Garrett Jones has been out of the lineup in four straight games. During the broadcast, Greg Brown said he aggravated his shoulder during a diving play.
- Paul Mahom will start against the Minnesota Twins on Monday. Garrett Olson (making his Pirates debut), Jose Veras and Sean Gallagher are scheduled to follow.
- Right-hander James McDonald threw a bullpen session on Sunday “without any issues” according to General Manager Neal Huntington on his radio show.
Kristy Robinson
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