The Pittsburgh Pirates improved to 4-0 this season with a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins in their home opener Monday at PNC Park. Third baseman Colin Moran hit a grand slam home run in the first inning. Moran was part of the trade that sent Gerrit Cole to Houston. Gregory Polanco had a double and four walks in the the game. Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon allowed two earned runs on four hits over 5-1/3rd innings. He did not walk a batter and struck out nine. The Pirates did not sell out their home opener. Just over 30,000 attended Monday’s game. They are off today, and host Minnesota tomorrow night at 6:05pm.
The Pirates have placed pitcher Joe Musgrove on the 10-day disabled list. Musgrove was also part of the Cole deal, and has been dealing with a sore shoulder. He most recently pitched six innings Saturday against the Pirates Gulf Coast League affiliate in Bradenton. Steven Brault will replace him as the starter against Cincinnati Thursday.