New Pittsburgh Pirate addition Colin Moran hit a grand slam to power the Bucs to a 5-4 win over the Minnesota Twins in the home opener at PNC Park Monday. Jameson Taillon got the win and George Kontos picked up the save for the 4-0 Bucs.The Pirates swept an Easter doubleheader in Detroit Sunday and completed a season-opening three-game sweep of the Detroit Tigers. The Pirates won the first game 1-0, behind six no-hit innings from starting pitcher Trevor Williams. Gregory Polanco drove in the game’s only run on a first inning double.
The Bucs won game two 8-6. Josh Harrison and David Freese drove in two runs each. Harrison, along with Starling Marte scored twice. Chad Kuhl earned his first win of the season despite giving up four runs in 5-2/3rds innings. After a rough outing in the season opener Friday, closer Felipe Rivero bounced back to save both games Sunday. He struck out five batters in his two innings of work.
The Pirates season continues Wednesday with another contest against the Twins at 6:05 p.m. Ivan Nova is expected to take the mound to begin that game.