Each day during spring training for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pirates Breakdown will give you game recaps, news updates, and video of player and coach interviews, highlights, and more from the day.
The Pirates sure have played a wide variety of games this spring. Day to day, you never know what kind of game you’re going to get. They’ve gotten blow out 10-3 and 9-3, they’ve been shut out 3-0, they’ve tied 2-2, they’ve been in low-scoring and high-scoring close games, and today, they lost a slug-fest 15-12 to the Phillies. With the loss, the Pirates fall to 5-11 in Grapefruit League action, but don’t fret. Even though the team hasn’t looked particularly good offensively or defensively this spring, the most important thing to remember is that the games don’t matter right now. Let’s always keep that in mind.
Despite the offensive outpouring, Kyle Lobstein, who started for the Pirates, had a strong showing as he hopes to make a case for the final bullpen spot. He pitched three scoreless outings, allowing just one hit in the process. Lobstein might have the inside track to a bullpen spot because he’s left-handed and is outperforming the other lefty competing for a spot, Eric O’Flaherty, so far this spring. In seven innings of work this spring, Lobstein has a sparkling 0.00 ERA.
Wilfredo Boscan gave up eight runs and Trey Haley gave up seven runs today, which is clearly not good, but neither figures to impact the Pirates’ major league roster much this year.
On the offensive side, Matt Joyce and Jose Osuna each had two hits, while the other 10 Pirate hits were scattered throughout the lineup. The Pirates play Twins at McKechnie Field tomorrow at 1:05 PM.
Unfortunately we don’t have video coverage from today’s game available to us, but, as always, here are some select tweets from throughout the day to keep you up to date until tomorrow. Enjoy!
Given the suddenness of my departure and the stir it has caused in both the media and the clubhouse, I feel (cont) https://t.co/xldpeJb1Ay
— Adam LaRoche (@e3laroche) March 18, 2016
Jung Ho Kang said his goal is to be ready on opening day. Pirates have indicated he will begin year on the DL
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) March 18, 2016
Cole believes he is on track to start at some point during season's opening week
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) March 18, 2016
Huntington said John Holdzkom's velocity is resting 89-91 mph this spring, down from 96-97 mph. Holdzkom has not suggested he's injured
— Travis Sawchik (@Travis_Sawchik) March 18, 2016
ICYMI: Josh Bell, Alen Hanson, Gift Ngoepe among 10 prospects cut from #Pirates MLB camp: https://t.co/2O274JupV3 pic.twitter.com/CXmfchmbzy
— Stephen J. Nesbitt (@stephenjnesbitt) March 18, 2016
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