The Pittsburgh Pirates moved to 3-2-2 in Spring Training after a 1-1 tie against the Minnesota Twins Monday at McKechnie Field.
Gerrit Cole started the game for the Pirates throwing the first three innings and had inconsistencies allowing three walks and two hits. One of those hits was a one-out home run by one of the Twins two top prospects Miguel Sano. Cole did strike out two batters. Additionally, he doubled in a third inning plate appearance.
Arquimedes Caminero had another solid relief outing as he tries to earn a bullpen spot throwing a scoreless inning while striking out two hitters. Radhames Liz also is trying to be a reliever for the Pirates come April and pitched two scoreless innings.
Charlie Leesman, Angel Sanchez and Wilfredo Boscan each pitched a scoreless inning.
The Pirates scored their run in the first inning. Andrew McCutchen who doubled was driven home by Neil Walker on a two-out double.
The Pirates beat the twins 2-1 in a 6-inning B game. Vance Worley threw 41 pitches in three innings striking out four include Twins top prospect Byron Buxton twice and picked up the win. Both team runs were scored in the third inning on consecutive RBI doubles from Jose Tabata and Willy Garcia.
Mark Melancon pitched a scoreless inning requiring 14 pitches to do so. Clayton Richard appeared on the mound in innings five and six and recorded the save. Richard game up a fifth inning home run to Jorge Polanco.
The Pirates will face the Tampa Rays Tuesday with Francisco Liriano expected to start. Burch Smith will throw for the Rays. Tony Watson, Jared Hughes, Antonio Bastardo, Rob Scahill and Collin Balester will throw in relief for this contest which starts at 1:05 PM. It will be webcast on the Pirates website.
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