Andrew McCutchen and Francisco Cervelli each went 2-for-3 at the plate to help the Pittsburgh Pirates defeat the Detroit Tigers by a 7-3 score Tuesday.
Vance Worley [1-1] started the game and pitched three innings allowing five base runners and a single run. Worley struck out a batter and has a Spring Training ERA of 4.95.
The run off Worley came in the second inning when Nick Castellanos hit a sacrifice fly to score Yoenis Cespedes.
In the fourth inning, the Pirates scored four runs to take control of the game. McCutchen started the scoring with a ground rule double to score Jordy Mercer. Mercer was the lead-off hitter in this game and his run tied the game. McCutchen is now hitting .333 this spring. Two batters later, Jung-ho Kang continued his recent tear with another double.
Cervelli then homered to center field off David Price to plate two and then added an RBI single in the sixth inning bringin the Pirates lead to 5-1. Cervelli now owns a .344 batting average and is 8-for-19 in his past seven games. Cervelli’s home run ties his with Pedro Alvarez and Tony Sanchez for a team high this spring.
Sean Rodriguez added an RBI single in the sixth inning which allowed Corey Hart and Cervelli to score. All seven runs came off Tigers Opening Day starter, who is now 0-2.
After Worley departed the game, Antonio Bastardo struck out one in his scoreless inning of work. John Kuchno, a 17th-round selection, then threw three scoreless and hit less innings. Kuchno, a ground ball pitcher, is expected to start the season in Altoona.
Tom Harlan then threw the final two innings allowing a home run to James Robbins in the ninth inning. Harlan was a 13th round draft pick in 2012. Harlan allowed two hits, walking one batter and striking out someone as well.
The Pirates will face the Baltimore Orioles in a Wednesday night contest. Francisco Liriano and Gerrit Cole each are expected to pitch on Wednesday. Chris Tillman will start for the Orioles.
Of note: Pirates hitters are not lying when they say they are ready for Opening Day. The team’s eight projected position players are batting 110-339 after Monday’s win – good for a .324 batting average.
