The Pittsburgh Pirates have left Florida – and visit the Houston Astros for their final two pre-season games. Tonight’s game is at 8:10pm. Their final exhibition game is tomorrow at 2:10pm. The Bucs open the season Thursday at 4:10pm in Cincinnati. Sunday, the Pirates and Baltimore Orioles tied 1-1 over nine innings. Jung Ho Kang hit his seventh home run of the spring for the Bucs lone run.
Trevor Williams made his final spring start and did not allow a run over three innings. He struck out two and did not walk a batter. Nick Kingham and Steven Brault are in a battle for one of two bullpen spots. They each pitched three innings. Kingham did not allow a run or a walk and struck out two. Brault allowed a game-tying run in the eighth.
The Bucs announced over the weekend that Francisco Liriano has made the club as a reliever. Melky Cabrera has also made the final roster. Both were in camp after signing minor league contracts with invitations to spring training.