Pirates Head To Pittsburgh With Loss To The Phillies

by Zane Heiple

Photo by pittsburghsportsdepot.com

Spring training is now officially over, after the Pittsburgh Pirates wrapped up a two game exhibition series with the Philadelphia Phillies in a 7-2 defeat.  Tonight's game was one final chance for those players looking to earn a roster spot to show management they were worthy of the opportunity.

Matt Hague has been they only Bucco that has shown consistent power throughout the spring, because of this he has stayed in the hunt coming into tonight's contest.  He would go 2-3 during the game.  At this point with so little power on this team, the only way I see Hague not making the roster is by a lack of versatility on his part defensively. 

Tonight was also a chance for James McDonald to throw a few innings before his first start of the season.  McDonald would go three innings allowing one run on two hits while striking out three and walking one batter.  Evan Meek also worked an inning tonight giving up one hit.

For the most part tonight's game was more about giving some minor league players one last chance in a big league atmosphere before being sent off to their respective teams.  I doubt management will look at any one players performance in this game as their final decision making determination, but it couldn't hurt for a player to perform well.  With the spring season over Pittsburgh finished with a record of 9-20-2. Ouch.

Next up for the Pirates is the day every Major League Baseball fan has been waiting for since the last out of the World Series, Opening Day.  Pittsburgh will host Philadelphia in a three game series set to kick off at 1:35 on Thursday.  Erik Bedard will be the starting pitcher for the Buccos, while the Phillies will counter with Roy Halliday.  Fans From The Stands will be in attendance, so be sure to check back after the game for pre and post game videos, along with a writeup on all the action.

And...

As Always...

Let's Go Bucs!