Last season was a frustrating one to say the least for Jordy Mercer. The Pirates shortstop, known for his defense, could not match that intensity to the offensive side of the game and missed significant time with a left leg injury.
Tuesday’s Spring Training opening game against the Detroit Tigers shows that Mercer has moved on from last year as he hit one of two Pirates home runs on the day.
The Pirates also took the victory winning by a 4-2 score.
Francisco Cervelli hit the other Pirates homer in this game, one of 10 hits on the afternoon. Cervelli’s home run was hit off Matt Boyd.
Rob Scahill earned the win pitching an inning. Scahill was responsible for both Tigers runs which scored as Victor Martinez hit a two-run home run.
Mixed bag for Lobstein
Left-handed pitcher Kyle Lobstein walked Justin Upton and Miguel Cabrera in the first inning of his first ever appearance as a Pirate but came away unscathed.
Lobstein was acquired by the Pirates off waivers in December.
Pirates manager Clint Hurdle has always liked having a second left-handed option in the bullpen and Lobstein may be able to fit that role and join Tony Watson as a lefty option.
Lobstein has the potential to pitch multiple innings if needed but since he has been stretched out as a starting pitcher, he could provide depth in that regard if he were not to break north with the club.
Feliz Navidad
Tuesday was the first opportunity for Pirates fans to see free agent signing Neftali Feliz and he opened his Spring Training season with a clean inning of work.
Feliz worked a clean fifth inning and struck out a batter.
He signed a one year contract worth $3.9 million with the Pirates Jan. 6.
If Feliz, can stay healthy and show signs of good form, then he would likely be on the Pirates Opening Day roster.
Walking the Plank
Spring Training play continues with another game Wednesday against the Tigers, this time at McKechnie Field. Jeff Locke will start for the Pirates while Buck Farmer will do the same for the Tigers. Juan Nicasio, A.J. Schugel, Arquimedes Caminero, Jared Hughes, Eric O’Flaherty and Jorge Rondon also are all expected to pitch in this games.
Michigan football coach Jim Harbaugh will coach first base in this game for the Tigers and it is expected that he will wear khakis instead of the traditional baseball pants.
