Cutch Leads Buccos Past Yankees

by Zane Heiple

Photo by Matt Slocum/AP

After it was announced officially earlier in the day that Andrew McCutchen would be with the Pittsburgh Pirates for at least the next six seasons, Cutch showed why Bucco fans have a lot to finally be thankful for.  McCutchen would go 2-3 on the day with a double and two RBI.  His first hit of the day would come off of New York Yankees ace C.C. Sabathia.

The Pittsburgh offense saw contributions from Clint Barmes, who went 2-3, and Sterling Marte, who had two hits in as many plate appearences.  The big offensive day came from DH Yamaico Navarro, who played for the Boston Red Sox and Kansas City Royals last season.  Navarro went 3-4 with 2 RBI.  Not sure where he could fit on the opening day roster, but he may be a name to keep an eye on.  The downside of the offense came from Rod Barajas and Casey McGehee who both went 0-3.  Nothing to worry about as both players still have a lot of time to be ready for April 5^th.

Kevin Correia made his first start of the spring today pitching two innings allowing no hits, but walking two batters in two innings of work.  Correia would say afterwards, “Everything feels as good as it did at this point last season”.  Chris Resop picked up the win allowing one run on two hits, while striking out two in an inning of work.  Daniel McCutchen didn’t have quite that good of a day as he would give up two runs on two hits while pitching the final inning.

Tomorrow will be the first time this spring that the Pirates face a right-handed starter as they will face the Toronto Blue Jays Kyle Drabek, who happens to the son of former Bucco Doug Drabek.  Jeff Karstens will make his second start for Pittsburgh, as first pitch is scheduled for 1:05 at McKechnie Field.

Grapefruit League Record:  2-2

And…

As Always…

Let’s Go Bucs!