The Pittsburgh Pirates opened their spring training schedule with three victories. The Pirates defeated Baltimore 8-2 in their first game Saturday, then won split-squad games Sunday. In Saturday’s game, newcomer Ryan O’Hearn and catcher Endy Rodriguez hit fifth-inning home runs as the Pirates scored six runs in that inning.
The Bucs defeated Philadelphia 4-3 and Tampa Bay 7-4 yesterday. Right-Fielder Esmerlyn Valdez hit a grand-slam in the Pirates sixth inning against the Phillies. Bryan Reynolds had three of the Pirates 10-hits against the Rays. Mitch Keller made his first start in that game and pitched two scoreless innings.
They host the New York Yankees this afternoon in Bradenton. Bubba Chandler will start for the Pirates. Game time is 1:05pm.