PIRATES PROSPECTSPITTSBURGH PIRATES MINOR LEAGUE NEWS, TRANSACTIONS, AND ARTICLES

Scottsdale Scorpions 2, Phoenix Desert Dogs 0

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Scorpions' starter Bryan Augenstein (Diamondbacks) earned his first AFL win on Tuesday afternoon with 4 shutout innings of work. He scattered 3 singles and a walk and struck out two batters. When Augenstein left, his bullpen colleagues took up where he left off. Tom Layne (D'backs) pitched a perfect 5th. Daniel Turpen (Giants) pitched 0.2 scoreless innings, though he loaded the bases with two walks and a hit batter. Steve Edlefsen (Giants) finished the 6th inning for Turpen, then pitched a scoreless 7th with a walk and a batter reaching on an error. Craig Baker (Rockies) also retired the side in the 8th. Matt Reynolds (Rockies) earned his second save with a scoreless 9th inning, allowing just the fourth hit of the game.

The Scorpions had at least one runner on base in every inning but the 6th, but they only scored in the first two. 2B Pedro Ciriaco (D'backs) opened the game with a double into left field, and after ground outs by 3B Chase d'Arnaud and DH Jose Tabata, Ciriaco scored on an RBI single by RF Domonic Brown (Phillies). It only took one hit to score another run in the 2nd inning. LF Steve Susdorf (Phillies) walked, and he scored from first base on SS Hector Gomez's (Rockies) double. Gomez was the only batter with more than one hit -- he doubled again in the 7th inning. Jose Tabata singled in the 3rd inning, and Chase d'Arnaud singled in the 5th. The only other Scorpions' hit was Susdorf's double in the 4th. Susdorf also reached base twice more on walks, and Tabata had a third walk, but was caught stealing second base.

The Hillcats are relocating to Florida, where they will become.... well, we don't know yet. As expected, the Florida State League has approved the plan for the Pirates to buy the A+ team that the Reds have had in Sarasota, and move them to Bradenton. The Reds will take over the A+ team in Lynchburg, where the Hillcats have graciously given their approval even though the contract between the Pirates and the Hillcats still had a year to do. The name and logo for the new Bradenton team will be announced soon. The new A+ team will share McKechnie Field with the GCL Bradenton Pirates.

The Dominican League was the only winter league playing on Monday night, and Pirates' players and friends only participated in one game...

Estrellas de Oriente 6, Toros del Este 4

C Robinzon Diaz continued his hot hitting with another 2 hits and 2 RBI in last night's game, lifting his average to .397. Teammate 1B Brian Myrow also had 2 hits and 2 RBI in Los Estrellas' win. Los Estrellas did most of their scoring in the first three innings. In the top of the 1st, Myrow came to the plate with runners on first and second base, and his RBI single brought in the runner from second base. Diaz followed with another RBI single, to give Los Estrellas a 2-0 lead. A fielding error, a bunt, and a wild pitch in the 2nd inning increased the score to 3-0. A double and Diaz's second RBI single of the game made the score 4-0 in the 3rd inning, and Diaz scored also, after another single and a double. Los Toros got one of the runs back in the bottom of the 6th, but Myrow reclaimed it in the top of the 2nd with his RBI double. Los Toros did score 3 runs in the bottom of the 8th, but got no further. Former Pirate farmhand Maiko Loyola came into the game in the 8th inning as a defensive replacement in left field. He grounded out in his only plate appearance.

Mesa Solar Sox 3, Scottsdale Scorpions 2

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Not a lot of hitting going on in Mesa today. The Scottsdale Scorpions posted 7 hits on their way to ony 2 runs, while the pitching staff held the Solar Sox to just 5 hits. Unfortunately, the Solar Sox made better use of the hits they did get, scoring 3 runs to win the game.

The Scorpions scored one run right out of the box. In the top of the 1st, with one out, 2B Brandon Crawford (Giants) doubled, moved to third on RF Domonic Brown's (Phillies) single, and scored when LF Thomas Neal's (Giants) grounder to third base was only a force out at second instead of a double play. SS Hector Gomez (Rockies) provided the only other run, with a solo homer over the left field wall in the 3rd inning.

There were not even very many threats by the Scorpions' batters. CF Jose Tabata made it as far as third base in the 6th inning. He bounced one back to the mound, but a throwing error by the Mesa pitcher allowed Tabata to reach second base. A wild pitch sent him to third base, but he was left there when Domonic Brown struck out to end the inning. Scottsdale had a runner reach third base in the 8th inning, the only other inning in which the Scorpions put more than one runner on base. Hector Gomez doubled to lead off the inning, and 2B Brian Friday's single advanced Gomez to third base, but three strikeouts left the runners on the corners. The Scorpion batters struck out a total of 8 times during the game. Tabata went 0-for-4, and Friday was 1-for-3.

Rockies' Chaz Roe started and pitched 3 scoreless innings for the Scorpions. He allowed 2 hits, no walks, and struck out 4 batters. Cesar Valdez (Diamondbacks) pitched the next two innings, and was charged with a Blown Save when he allowed a 2-run homer in the 5th. Edgar Garcia (Phillies) suffered the loss, as he gave up the winning run in the 6th inning. Mesa's 2B Starlin Castro (Cubs) singled to begin the inning, stole second, tagged up and took third on a fly out, and scored on a sacrifice fly.

Tony Watson pitched a perfect 7th inning, including a strikeout. Scott Mathieson (Phillies) pitched a scoreless 8th inning. He allowed a walk, but erased the runner with a double play.

Pirates' players and friends in Sunday's winter ball action --

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Bravos de Margarita 13, Aguilas de Zulia 7

Neil Walker was listed in the original lineup to start at first base, but before Los Bravos even took the field in the bottom of the 1st, their 2B Eider Torres, who had grounded out in the top of the inning, had to leave the game. Some infield shuffling occurred, and Walker was moved to third base. Margarita got onto the scoreboard first with 2 runs on 2 singles and a double in the 3rd inning. Zulia scored 2 runs in each of the next two innings to take a 4-2 lead. In the top of the 6th, Los Bravos retook the lead. SS Ray Olmedo led off with a single, and after he moved to 3rd on a hit-and-run, Walker's RBI single brought him in. Two more singles plated Walker, and two more walks forced in the third run of the inning. A single, a throwing error, a walk to Walker, and another single scored the first run in the top of the 7th. Two more runs, including Walker, scored on a fielding error, giving Margarita an 8-4 lead. Zulia came back with 3 of their own in the bottom of the inning, but Margarita sealed their win with a rally in the 9th. LF Jonel Pacheco, who had entered in the 7th inning, singled and scored on C Henry Blanco's double. Two more singles and a walk scored two more runs. Neil Walker's single brought in two more runs, for a total of 5 runs in the inning.

Neil Walker had originally been under contract with Los Bravos through December 10th, but now the plan is to have him stay only through November 19th.

Tigres de Aragua 4, Cardenales de Lara 2

1B Hector Gimenez and CF Jorge Cortes each posted a single and a double for Aragua, and SS Ronny Cedeno added a single. Aragua scored first, with a double by Gimenez, a ground out, and a wild pitch in the 2nd inning. A walk, Cedeno's sacrifice bunt, a single, and an RBI grounder added another run in the 2nd. Gimenez and Cortes had two of the three singles in the 4th, and Cortes picked up an RBI, as Los Tigres scored twice.

Leones del Caracas 8, Navegantes del Magallanes 6

Reliever Ronald Uviedo pitched 1.1 scoreless innings for Caracas to earn a Hold. He entered the game in the 6th, with two out and two runners on base, and got a ground out to end the inning. Then Uviedo retired the side in order in the 7th. DH Mike Ryan singled twice, walked twice, and scored twice for Magallanes. He singled and scored in the 2-run rally in the 2nd inning and again in the 2-run rally in the 9th. That last rally fell short, though, as Magallanes could not catch up to Caracas. SS Argenis Diaz was hitless in two trips to the plate.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Tigres del Licey 8, Estrellas de Oriente 6

Licey scored 5 runs in the 5th and 3 more in the 6th to overcome Los Estrellas. Los Estrellas scored one run in the 2nd inning, on a walk and a double, and added 3 more runs in the 3rd inning. After a walk and a fielding error put two runners into scoring position, DH Robinzon Diaz singled to bring both runners home. Diaz was caught stealing second base, then 1B Brian Myrow tripled, and he scored on another double, and Los Estrellas had a brief 4-0 lead. Los Estrellas scored two more runs in the top of the 9th, on a double and two singles, but the inning ended before they could catch up to Los Tigres.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Venados de Mazatlan 13, Caneros de Mochis 3

Mazatlan posted 18 hits, with every member of the starting lineup collecting at least one hit. SS Brian Bixler singled, doubled, and walked, though he also made a throwing error. Los Venados started with 5 runs in the 1st inning, when the first 5 batters of the inning had a hit -- Bixler's double, and the rest singles -- for 3 runs. Another double brought in two more runs. Bixler also singled to lead off the 2nd inning, but was erased in a double play. Mazatlan scored 2 more runs in the 3rd inning, on a double and two singles. Two singles scored another run in the 5th inning, and then Los Venados wrapped it up with 5 runs in the 7th. That inning began with a throwing error, followed by a walk and two singles, bringing in two runs. Bixler walked, then a single plated two more runs, and Bixler scored on an RBI grounder. Another photo of Bixler, turning two, is on Los Venados' website.

Tomateros de Culiacan 15, Algodoneros de Guasave 4

Los Tomateros held a hit-fest, posting 19 hits and scoring 5 runs in the 2nd inning and 6 runs in the 6th. CF Luis Cruz had an RBI double in the 2nd inning, then walked and scored on a home run in the 6th. Cruz singled in the 9th, and was forced out on a double play.

AFL West 8, AFL East 7

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Saturday night's Arizona Fall League's Rising Stars game showcased the All-Stars among the all-star prospects. The League teams divided into West and East, based on the teams' location around the Phoenix area -- Peoria and Surprise are suburb cities on the west side of Phoenix, and Scottsdale and Mesa are on the east side of town, with the Phoenix team joining them for the East team. Three of the six Pirates' players participating in the AFL were invited to join the East team: OF Jose Tabata, INF Chase d'Arnaud, and reliever Danny Moskos. Starter Donnie Veal, with his 3-0 record and league-leading microscopic 0.54 ERA, was not invited, though it seems he has earned the honor; he would not have been able to pitch, since he had just made a start on Friday night, but still.... Six other members of the Scottsdale Scorpions were also on the East team: C Buster Posey (Giants), 1B Brandon Allen (Diamondbacks), OF Domonic Brown (Phillies), RHP Andrew Johnston (Rockies), RHP Toru Murata (Japan), and LHP Matt Reynolds (Rockies).

The East came charging out of the gate, sending 11 batters to the plate in the top of the 1st, and scoring 7 runs (6 earned) off West starter Mike Minor (Braves). Jose Tabata began the game with an infield single. SS Starlin Castro (Cubs) also singled, and after a fly out that allowed Tabata to tag up and move to third base, LF Grant Desme (A's) also singled, scoring Tabata. 1B Brandon Allen blasted a 3 run homer to center field, and the East had a 4 runs start. C Buster Posey followed the homer with a single and RF Domonic Brown doubled. Posey scored on 3B Josh Bell's (Orioles) sacrifice fly, which was the second out of the inning. After a walk to 2B Jemile Weeks (A's), a throwing error brought Brown across the plate. Tabata singled for the second time in the game, plating Weeks. That was all for Mike Minor, who was relieved by Josh Fields (Mariners). Fields ended the inning with a fly out, but the East had a 7 run advantage.

East starter Tommy Mendoza (Angels) gave up a 2-run homer in the bottom of the 1st inning to LF Chris Heisey (Reds), and Reidier Gonzalez (Blue Jays) retired the West in order in the 2nd inning. But the West took advantage of Danny Moskos in the bottom of the 3rd. Moskos gave up a homer to the first batter he faced, SS Carlos Triunfel Mariners). Two quick outs followed, but then Moskos gave up a single and three consecutive doubles, for 3 more runs, and the West had closed the gap to 7-6.

The pitchers took over for the next four innings. The East batters managed one hit in the 4th, and went down in order against former Pirates' draft pick Tanner Scheppers (Rangers) in the 5th. Chase d'Arnaud led off the 6th inning with a pinch-hit single into right field, but was forced out at second base on a grounder by Jemile Weeks. Bryan Petersen (Marlins), who replaced Tabata in center field, singled, and 1B Brandon Snyder (Orioles) walked to load the bases for the East, but LF Rene Tosoni (Twins) flied out to end the inning without a run scoring. The East threatened again in the 7th, when Domonic Brown walked and d'Arnaud singled for the second time, but both were left on base when Weeks struck out to end the inning.

East pitchers Matt Gorgen (Rays), Dustin Richardson (Red Sox), Andrew Johnston, and Blake Parker (Cubs) kept the West from scoring through the 7th inning, scattering 3 hits and a walk. With Drew Storen (Nationals) on the mound, the bottom of the 8th began with a single and a 2-run homer by C Matt McBride (Cleveland Indians), giving the West a one-run lead. But the East managed only a walk by Brandon Allen in the 9th, and the West got the win.

As usual, the AFL has Sunday off, and play will resume on Monday.

NOTES: Just in case you're wondering... the 2010 Minor League season begins 5 months from today.

Saturday's winter league action involving Pirates' players and friends:

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Venados de Mazatlan 9, Caneros de Mochis 2

SS Brian Bixler hit his first home run for Mazatlan, giving Los Venados their first insurance run in the 4th inning. There's a photo on Los Venados' web site. Bixler is mentioned lower down in the article, which says that Bixler hit his first homer of the season, which left the yard to give Mazatlan a 4-2 lead, and also had an RBI in the 7th.

CF Ruben Rivera added a 2-run homer in the 5th inning. Los Venados loaded the bases on a single and two walks in the 7th, and brought in one run on a fielding error. Bixler came to the plate with the bases still loaded, and grounded to second for the force out there, but he beat out the throw to first base, so the runner from third base scored, with Bixler picking up the RBI. Three more singles and another RBI grounder gave Mazatlan one last run in the 8th.

Algodoneros de Guasave 9, Tomateros de Culiacan 2

CF Luis Cruz doubled in the 6th inning for Culiacan, but did not score, as Los Tomateros were held to just 2 runs.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Bravos de Margarita 4, Aguilas de Zulia 3 (Game 1)

The first 7 batters of this game all struck out. Zulia's Josh Schmidt (Yankees) struck out the side in the top of the 1st, and then struck out the first batter he faced in the 2nd. He went on to retire the next 5 batters in order too, before giving up Margarita's first hit, a double to 2B Eider Torres (White Sox) to lead off the 4th. But Schmidt only faced the minimum in that inning too, as Torres was the second out in a double play when he was thrown out at the plate after a fly out. Margarita finally got to Schmidt in the 5th inning, when DH Rene Reyes singled and LF Selwyn Langaigne walked. Neil Walker, who started the game at first base, dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move the runners to second and third. Both runners scored on a fielding error to tie the score at 2-2. Margarita took the lead with 2 more in the 6th inning, on a single, a fielder's choice and two errors by Zulia. Walker was moved over to third base for the final inning of the game. On the other side, Margarita's starter Carlos Monasterios struck out the side in the 1st inning, then gave up a run in each of the 2nd and 3rd innings. Each starter finished with 5 strikeouts.

Zulia 7, Margarita 5 (Game 2)

Zulia took the nightcap, pushing past Margarita with a 4-run 5th inning. Chris Hernandez earned his 7th save for Zulia with a scoreless 7th inning. Zulia began the scoring with two runs in the bottom of the 1st inning. Margarita came back with 2 to tie it up in the 2nd inning. After a walk by Rene Reyes and a single by Selwyn Langaigne, Neil Walker (back at third base for the second game) walked to load the bases. The next batter bounced into a double play, scoring one run, but forcing Walker out at second. A single by C Henry Blanco (Padres) brought in the tying run. A double, a wild pitch, and two singles gave Margarita a 4-2 lead in the 3rd inning, and they picked up one more run in the top of the 5th with two walks, a sacrifice bunt, a double steal, and an RBI ground out. Former Indy Indian Tim Harikkala made the start for Margarita, and he got into trouble in the 5th inning, when he gave up two 2-out doubles. Reliever Jesus Silva took over for Harikkala, and faced three batters -- for an RBI single, a 2-run homer, and then a hit batter. Another former Indy Indian, Michael Tejera came on next, and he ended the inning with a strikeout, but the damage was done and the Mazatlan batters could not respond. Neil Walker went 0-for-2 besides the walk.

Navegantes del Magallanes 2, Tiburones de La Guaira 1

Jean Machi earned his 7th save with a scoreless 9th in this low-scoring and low-hitting game. Los Tiburones were held to just 4 hits and scored only one run, on a double, a stolen base, and a throwing error by the Magallanes' catcher. Los Navegantes had just 6 hits, and their only scoring was on a walk and a 2-run homer by 1B Brian Dopirak (Blue Jays). DH <mike Ryan went 0-for-4 for Magallanes, and SS Argenis Diaz was 0-for-2 with a walk in the 7th inning.

Tigres de Aragua 6, Cardenales de Lara 2

1B Hector Gimenez walked three times and scored once for Aragua, and C Raul Chavez added an RBI single. Lara scored one run in the top of the 1st, but Los Tigres came roaring back with 3 runs in the bottom of the inning. After a walk and a double put runners on second and third, Chavez was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Gimenez picked up an RBI as he was walked, forcing in a run. LF Justin Huber (Twins) singled, plating two runs. That chased Lara's starting pitcher, and former Indy Indian Giovanni Carrara came on to finish that inning and pitch the next two scoreless frames. After Carrara finished his night's work, Aragua started scoring again. They got one run in the 4th on a walk and two errors. In the 5th, Gimenez reached on Lara's third error of the game, then scored on a RBI single. Chavez's RBI single came after a single and a walk in the 6th inning. CF Jorge Cortes went 1-for-4 with a single in the 7th inning. SS Ronny Cedeno went 0-for-4, dropping his batting average to .182.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Gigantes del Cibao 4, Aguilas Cibaenas 3 (10 innings)

A two run homer in the 9th tied the game, and a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 10th gave Los Gigantes the win. Starling Marte got into the game as a late-inning defensive replacement in right field for Los Aguilas, but did not get a plate appearance.

Toros del Este 8, Estrellas de Oriente 6

Two runs by Los Toros in the top of the 8th broke a 6-6 tie, and Los Estrellas could not respond. 1B Brian Myrow had a walk and a single in 3 trips to the plate. He singled in the 3rd, and scored when LF Henry Mateo homered.

A quick look at Friday's winter league action involving Pirates' players and friends:

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Caneros de Mochis 3, Venados de Mazatlan 1

This pitching duel lasted until the 13th inning. Mochis scored one run in the 5th on two singles and a sacrifice bunt. Mazatlan tied the score in the bottom of the 9th, on a single and a double, sending the game into extras. Los Venados barely threatened in the bottom of the 10th, when 2B Brian Bixler led off with a double, but he was out at third on a fielder's choice. In the 11th, Mazatlan loaded the bases on a single and two walks, but the inning ended when Rogelios Noris lined out to second base. Bixler led off the 12th with a triple, and two walks loaded the bases again for Mazatlan, but a line out and two strikeouts left three more runners on base. Mochis scored twice in the top of the 13th, on a walk, a sacrifice bunt, and three singles. Bixler was 2-for-6 in the game, and Noris went 0-for-5 with a walk.

Algodoneros de Guasave 7, Tomateros de Culiacan 6

Culican could not catch up after Guasave scored 5 runs in the 1st inning. CF Luis Cruz singled in the 8th inning, the third consecutive single to begin that inning, knocking in the first of 3 runs. Cruz scored two singles later.

Naranjeros de Hermosillo 11, Mayos de Navojoa 5

Ty Taubenheim earned his first win for Hermosillo. He pitched 6 innings, and allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, with two strikeouts and no walks. Taubenheim retired the first 10 batters he faced in order, before he gave up two singles in the 4th inning. Those two runners were left on base. Taubenheim also pitched a 1-2-3 5th inning. The two runs he gave up came in the 6th, on a single, a double, and a sacrifice fly. Navojoa scored 3 more runs in the 9th inning, but it was no match for the 16 hits and 11 runs by Hermosillo.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Aguilas de Zulia 7, Bravos de Margarita 6

3B Neil Walker hit his 4th homer of the winter league season for Margarita, to tie the game in the 7th inning. Walker also walked in the 4th inning, but was left on base. When the game went into extra innings, Walker was moved across the diamond, where he played two innings at first base. He made one out at first, on a grounder to lead off the 10th, but that was the only fielding opportunity he had. Zulia singled twice in the bottom of the 11th, and had the first runner race around to score from first base for the win. Jonel Pacheco pinch ran for Margarita, and remained in the game to play two innings in right field. Chris Hernandez pitched one inning for Zulia, and retired the side in order.

Navegantes del Magallanes 3, Caribes de Anzoategui 1

Magallanes recorded only 5 hits, but made them count, with a walk and a double for one run in the 4th, a solo homer in the 5th, and a walk and two singles following the homer for a second run in the 5th. Los Caribes scored their run in the top of the 5th with a single, a walk, and a double. SS Argenis Diaz singled for Magallanes in the 7th inning. Gorkys Hernandez pinch-rat for Los Caribes in the 9th inning, but was left on base.

Tigres de Aragua 9, Tiburones de La Guaira 6

Another extra-inning game -- Aragua took this one in the bottom of the 12th, when RF Jorge Cortes led off with a single, and C Alex Delgado also singled, then with two outs, LF Justin Huber (Twins) blasted a 3-run walk-off homer, which was his second homer of the game. Cortes was a late-inning defensive replacement, and that was his only trip to the plate. C Raul Chavez went 3-for-4 for Aragua, with 2 doubles. He led off the 4th with a double, and scored on Huber's first homer. Chavez led off the 6th with a single, and reached third base, but was left there. He doubled again in the 8th inning, and was replaced by a pinch-runner, who was eventually thrown out at the plate. 1B Hector Gimenez and SS Ronny Cedeno were hitless in the game.

DOMINICAN LEAGUE

Tigres del Licey 3, Aguilas Cibaenas 0

Ramon Aguero pitched a perfect bottom of the 8th inning for Los Aguilas, including 2 strikeouts, in the losing effort.

Leones de Escogido 6, Estrellas de Oriente 3

1B Brian Myrow made his winter league debut with Los Estrellas, but went 0-for-3. C Robinzon Diaz went 3-for-4 with a double for Los Estrellas. He doubled and scored in the 4th inning, then singled in the 6th and in the 9th. Four runs by Los Leones in the 7th inning gave Escogido the lead and the win.

Scottsdale Scorpions 8, Phoenix Desert Dogs 4

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Scorpions' starter Donnie Veal made his 5th start and earned his 3rd win in AFL play on Friday afternoon. Veal pitched 4 innings and struck out 5 batters, while allowing only one unearned run on 3 hits. Veal gave up a single to the first batter he faced in the game, then retired the next 6 batters. He gave up another single to begin the 3rd inning, but erased that runner with a double play. The only run Veal allowed came in the 4th inning. A double opened the inning, and that runner moved to third base on a ground out. He scored on a passed ball by C Wilin Rosario (Rockies).

Japan's Kenta Abe, who had just joined the Scorpions this week to replace pitcher Ken Nishimura, relieved Veal to begin the 5th inning. Abe struggled, as the first batter he faced blasted a solo home run. He then gave up two walks and a double, before being relieved by Tom Layne (Diamondbacks). A sacrifice fly brought in the third run of the inning, all charged to Abe. Layne pitched a 1-2-3 inning in the 6th. Three more pitchers, Daniel Turpen (Giants), Steve Edlefsen (Giants), and Michael Schwimer (Phillies) each pitched a perfect inning, and each struck out one batter.

Wilin Rosario began the Scorpions' scoring with his third home run in two days in the 2nd inning. DH Hector Gomez (Rockies) followed the homer with a double, and he scored on a fielder's choice complicated by a fielding error. 1B Thomas Neal (Giants) doubled in the 3rd inning, and scored on LF Cole Gillespie's (D'backs) RBI single.

The 4th inning brought another two runs. 2B Pedro Ciriaco (D'backs) led off with a single, and he moved up to second base when SS Troy Hanzawa (Phillies) reached on an error. The two pulled off a double steal, and then CF Jose Tabata walked to load the bases. RF Domonic Brown (Phillies) also walked, forcing in Ciriaco, and Hanzawa scored on a ground out by Thomas Neal.

The Scorpions added two more runs in the 5th inning. Three consecutive singles, by Rosario, Gomez, and Ciriaco, began the inning. Troy Hanzawa's sacrifice fly plated Rosario. 3B Chase d'Arnaud hit a fly for another sacrifice, scoring Gomez, but it turned into a double play when Ciriaco was out at second on the throw in from the outfield (Gomez had already scored). D'Arnaud and Tabata both singled in the 8th inning, and because d'Arnaud had stolen second base, he was able to come around to score from second on Tabata's hit. Tabata and d'Arnaud each had a hit, a walk, and an RBI in the game.

With the Rule 5 Draft approaching, the Pirates needed to make some roster moves. They need to clear space on the 40-man roster for pitchers Evan Meek and Jose Ascanio, who will be coming off the 60-day disabled list, and they need to have space available to protect key prospects from the Rule 5 draft, and for free agent signings. So, with that in mind, three players were removed from the 40-man roster:

RHP Virgil Vasquez was outrighted to AAA Indianapolis. He spent most of the 2009 season with Indianapolis, but was called up to the Pirates for about 5 weeks from the end of June until early August. In 7 starts during that time, Vasquez pitched 34 innings and earned a 2-5 record with a 6.09 ERA. He struck out 21, walked 15, and gave up 46 hits. Vasquez returned to the Pirates with the September call-ups, and made 7 relief appearances. He had no decisions or saves, but a 5.29 ERA, with 8 strikeouts, 3 walks, and 8 hits in 10.2 innings. That wasn't enough to keep him on the 40-man.

RHP Eric Hacker came to the Pirates from the Yankees in May 2009. He spent the rest of the minor league season in Indianapolis, where he made 21 starts, for a 5-5 record and a 4.02 ERA. He gave up 135 hits, 46 walks, and struck out 82. Hacker pitched 116.1 innings for Indianapolis, after having also pitched 31.1 innings while still in the Yankees' system, so while he was called up to the Pirates in September, it's not surprising that he was not allowed to pitch a lot of innings. Hacker pitched in 3 games, for a total of 3 innings. He allowed 2 runs on 4 hits, with 2 walks and one strikeout. Hacker needs more time in AAA, and the Pirates are going to gamble that no one else will want to give it to him.

C Steve Lerud played the entire 2009 season with the AA Altoona Curve. He had been added to the Pirates' 40-man roster a year ago, in order to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, but after a so-so season, he's being outrighted to Altoona. Lerud hit .240 for the Curve, with 17 doubles, 4 homers, and 26 RBI. He also had 53 strikeouts. On the defensive side, Lerud threw out only 27% of base stealers. The Pirates were worried that Lerud was going to be taken in the Rule 5 Draft last year, so they put him on the 40-man roster. With his drop off in power this season, they now feel it's unlikely he'd be chosen. He'll be assigned back to AA Altoona.

Thursday evening's action in the winter leagues, involving Pirates' players and friends...

The Dominican League had a scheduled day off on Thursday.

MEXICAN PACIFIC LEAGUE

Venados de Mazatlan 2, Aguilas de Mexicali 1

Los Venados made full use of the 5 hits they collected, and took advantage of a Mexicali error, to slip by Los Aguilas for the win. Mexicali scored first, when LF Adam Rosales (Reds) walked to lead off the 2nd inning, then went to second on a single, to third on a fly out, and scored on a ground out. The Mazatlan batters could not get much going for the first 5 innings. The only two hits in those innings were a lead-off single in the bottom of the 1st by 2B Brian Bixler, who then stole second base (his 4th), and a single by LF Rogelios Noris to lead off the 3rd. Noris also began the 6th with a single, and moved to second base on a balk. A grounder to short let Noris advance to third base, but he had to hold up on Bixler's grounder to third. Noris scored easily, though, on RF Christian Quintero's triple, and the score was tied. Los Venados took the slim lead in the 7th, when CF Ruben Rivera singled and stole second base. Noris was hit by a pitch, and when SS Heber Gomez grounded to short, a throwing error let Rivera score the go-ahead run. Noris is now hitting .414 in his 10 games for Mazatlan, and he's had at least one hit in all but the first of the 8 games in which he's had a plate appearance. The rookie now has a 7-game hitting streak.

Naranjeros de Hermosillo 5, Tomateros de Culiacan 2

CF Luis Cruz went 2-for-3 and Culiacan posted 11 hits, but it wasn't enough to overcome Hermosillo. Culiacan scored one run on two singles in the 1st, and Cruz loaded the bases with another single in that inning, but they could not push another run across. A double and a single gave Los Tomateros another run in the 3rd, and Cruz followed with another double, but the runner who was trying to score from first base was thrown out at the plate. Hermosillo scored 2 runs in the 2nd and 3 more in the 3rd, including a 2-run homer by former Pirate DH Humberto Cota.

VENEZUELAN LEAGUE

Cardenales de Lara 11, Bravos de Margarita 8

Three walks and a triple followed by a sacrifice fly gave Lara 4 runs in the bottom of the 8th to surge past Margarita for the win. Neither starting pitcher had a good night. Derek Hankins made the start for Lara, and he surrendered 6 runs on 5 hits and 4 walks in 4 innings. After he retired the side in the 1st, Margarita scored 3 runs in the 2nd, on a walk, a double by 3B Neil Walker, another walk, and a bases-clearing triple. Walker's second double of the game plated another run in the 3rd, and a 2-run homer by 2B Ray Olmedo in the 4th brought Los Bravos up to 6 runs.

Former Indy Indian Michael Tejera made the start for Margarita. He also gave up 6 runs (5 earned), but in less than 2 innings, on 5 hits and 2 walks. Two doubles, a single, and a throwing error by Walker gave Lara 3 runs in the 1st inning. A walk, two singles, and two sacrifices plated 3 more runs in the 2nd and chased Tejera from the game. Lara took the lead with a single, two walks, and a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the 4th. Margarita made it 8-7 in the 7th, on a walk, an RBI double, and an RBI single, but they could not hold off Lara in the 8th.

Tigres de Aragua 6, Caribes de Anzoategui 4

C Raul Chavez made the difference for Aragua, with a 2-run double in the 7th inning. A double, two walks (one by 1B Hector Gimenez) and a 2-RBI single gave Aragua their first two runs in the 2nd inning. A walk, a single by Gimenez, and an RBI single added another run in the 3rd, and SS Ronny Cedeno's triple followed by a single brought in one more in the 4th. Los Caribes kept up, with a run in the 2nd on a double and a single, and two more runs in the 3rd on a double, a single, and a sacrifice fly. A wild pitch and a fileding error after a double gave Los Caribes the tying run in the 5th inning. Cedeno also had a stolen base and a single in the 8th inning. CF Gorkys Hernandez singled and stole a base for Los Caribes in the 4th inning.

Tiburones de La Guaira 7, Navegantes de Magallanes 3

Bobby Livingston faced only two batters over the minimum in his first 4 innings on the mound for La Guaira. He gave up a single in the 1st inning and a walk in the 2nd, and promptly erased both base runners with double plays. His only trouble came in the 5th, when he gave up a walk, a double, and a 3-run homer. He finished with 5.2 innings of work, allowing just those two walks and three hits, with 3 strikeouts, and earned his first winter league win. That was all the scoring Los Navegantes would do in the game. Magallanes SS Argenis Diaz went 0-for-3. Livingston got plenty of run support, as his teammates provided a solo homer in the 2nd, and 3 runs in the 3rd. A wild pitch, and two errors in the 5th contributed to one run by La Guaira in the 5th, and a walk, two singles, and a double gave them two more in the 7th.

Aguilas de Zulia 6, Leones de Caracas 4

Chris Hernandez earned his 6th save of the season for Zulia with a perfect 9th inning, including 2 strikeouts. C Carlos Maldonado struck out twice and was hit by a pitch for Caracas.

Scottsdale Scorpions 8, Surprise Rafters 7

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All three of the Pirates' hitters on the Scorpions contributed to the 4-run rally in the bottom of the 8th inning which sank the Rafters and gave the Scorpions the win.

With the Rafters up 7-4 going in to the bottom of the 8th, C Buster Posey (Giants) struck out to begin the inning. 3B Brandon Crawford (Giants) singled, and DH Wilin Rosario (Rockies) homered, bringing the Scorpions within one run of the Rafters. After a ground out, SS Brian Friday lined a single into center field, and 2B Chase d'Arnaud also singled, moving Friday to second base. CF Jose Tabata gave the Scorpions the lead with a double into right field, plating both Friday and d'Arnaud. All that remained was to hold the Rafters off in the top of the 9th, which reliever Matt Reynolds (Rockies) did with two strikeouts and a line out.

Surprise began the game with 3 runs in the top of the 1st inning, off Scottsdale starter Joe Martinez (Giants). Martinez settled down after that, allowing only one single over the next three innings. Edgar Garcia (Phillies) pitched the 5th inning for the Scorpions, and he gave up a run on two doubles, and the Rafters had a 4-0 lead.

The Scorpions were held to just one hit over the first three innings -- a single by Chase d'Arnaud to lead off the bottom of the 1st. Then Wilin Rosario got the Scorpions going with a solo homer to lead off the bottom of the 5th. Two outs later, d'Arnaud doubled and Jose Tabata walked. RF Domonic Brown (Phillies) singled, scoring d'Arnaud, and a fielding error allowed Tabata to come home, putting the Scorpions only one run behind. Both teams scored one run in the 6th, the Rafters on a solo home run, and the Scorpions on Rosario's single and an RBI triple by Brian Friday.

Two more solo homers, one in each of the 7th and the 8th, gave the Rafters their 7-4 lead. Tony Watson pitched the 6th inning for the Scorpions. Besides the lead-off homer, he allowed another single. Danny Moskos pitched the 7th inning, and allowed only the solo homer.

Chase d'Arnaud had a total of 3 hits in the game, two singles and a double. Jose Tabata had a single and a double with two RBI, and Brian Friday had a single and a triple with one RBI. The only Pirate farmhand on the Scorpions who did not get into the game was Donnie Veal, who is scheduled to start the game on Friday.