CLEARWATER, Fla. — The Pirates lost to the Philadelphia Phillies 5-4 at Bright House Field on Tuesday.
Right-hander Chris Resop made his first start of the spring, sixth appearance during Grapefruit League action this spring. Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle chose to go with all relievers today against the Phillies in order to get the ‘pen arms work, and allow starter Jeff Karstens to pitch deep into a game in minor league camp.
Resop allowed a leadoff double off the wall in right field by Shane Victorino to start the game. The next batter, Placido Polanco drove in Victorino with a RBI knock into left field. After retiring his first batter of the frame, slugging first baseman Jim Thome hit a RBI double into the gap into right center field to plate the second run off Resop in the inning.
Resop struck out two of the three batters he faced in the second inning. Overall, Resop allowed two runs on three hits with no walks and three strikeouts. He threw 31 pitches, 21 for strikes.
Daniel McCutchen, who is battling for a spot in the Pirates bullpen this spring, came in for relief in the 4th inning. Thome drew a leadoff walk, advanced to second on a wild pitch by McCutchen, and scored after Brian Schneider hit a one-out single into left field.
Laynce Nix led off the 6th inning with a double into right center field off reliever Ryota Igarashi. Pete Orr followed with a single into left field. Jake Fox, who replaced Alex Presley, bobbled the ball for an error allowing the fourth run of the game to score.
Lefty Cliff Lee held the Pirates to just three hits over six scoreless frames. The Pirates were able to tie the game up at four in the 8th inning by plating four runs off the Phillies ‘pen. Nick Evans hit a RBI single to left field to score Nate McLouth, and Eric Fryer picked up a RBI double to left center field. Casey McGehee followed with a RBI double into the gap to bring the game within one run. Kirk Singer (minors) hit a game-tying RBI single to right field.
Left-hander Daniel Moskos gave up the game winning run in the bottom of the 9th inning. Scott Podsednik connected for a two-out solo-home run to right field. It marked Moskos’ first earned run this spring (7.1 innings).
Game Notes:
- Relief: Chris Leroux: IP; Daniel McCutchen: IP, 2 H, R, BB, K, WP; Joel Hanrahan: IP; Ryota Igarashi: IP, 4 H, R; Jared Hughes: IP, H, K; Kris Johnson (minors): IP, H; Daniel Moskos: 0.0 IP, H, R, HR
- Third baseman Pedro Alvarez connected for a single in his second at-bat today in the 5th. It marked his first hit in 19 at-bats with 11 strikeouts over that span.
- Yamaico Navarro was hit by a pitch on what appeared to be his left forearm. He was checked by trainers and replaced with pinch runner Kirk Singer, who was traveling from minor league camp, at first base. The team updated his status as a left forearm contusion. After the game, Pirates Manager Clint Hurdle said they sent Navarro back to Bradenton early to have x-rays taken.
- Singer, 22, went 1-for-1 with a RBI and a stolen base in his first big league spring training game. The infielder was drafted by the Pirates in the 29th round of the 2011 draft.
- Alex Presley went 1-for-2 and has now reached base safely in 15 of his first 18 games; Joel Hanrahan did not allow a run and has now been scored upon twice in his seven appearances; Eric Fryer doubled and has now hit safely in three of his last four games; Casey McGehee went 2-for-4 with a pair of doubles.
Wednesday Game Info:
- The Pirates will face the Tampa Bay Rays in Port Charlotte at 7:05 p.m. tomorrow. Right-hander Charlie Morton will get the start and face lefty David Price. He is scheduled throw five innings. Following Morton in relief are: Evan Meek (two innings), Chris Leroux and Juan Cruz.
