The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 Sunday and gave new manager Derek Shelton his first Major League victory. Mitch Keller pitched five innings of two-hit baseball and allowed just the one run. Three Pirate relievers tossed four shutout innings – with Nick Burdi closing the game by striking out the side.
Colin Moran and Jose Osuna hit home runs for the Bucs.
The Bucs have returned to Pittsburgh and will host the Milwaukee Brewers for their home opener tonight at PNC Park. Game time is 7:05pm. Pre-game on WISR 680am is 6:40pm.
The Pirates dropped a 5-4 decision Friday in their regular-season opener – then fell 9-1 Saturday.
The Brewers lost two of three games to the Chicago Cubs.
Outfielder Gregory Polanco has been working out at PNC Park and could be close to returning. Polanco had tested positive for COVID-19.
Four Miami Marlins players have tested positive for the coronavirus, including pitcher Jose Urena, who was supposed to start their game. Because of concerns about players’ family members, the Marlins delayed the MLB team’s return home from Philadelphia, where they played their season-opening series, until today, before their home opener tonight.
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Reds were without second baseman Mike Moustakas and center fielder Nick Senzel yesterday after both felt sick one day after teammate Matt Davidson tested positive.
Two former Cy Young Award winners in the American League are out with arm problems. Houston’s Justin Verlander, has been shut down for two weeks with an arm strain. Corey Kluber also left his start for the Texas Rangers with a shoulder strain.