Final: Twins 5, Pirates 4 (box)

WP: Cole De Vries (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
LP: Kris Johnson (0-1, 9.00 ERA)
SV: Pedro Hernandez (1, 0.00 ERA)

Kyle McPherson got the nod on the hill today for the Bucs and pitched two scoreless innings. He gave up one hit, which turned out to be the first hit given up by Pirates’ starters this spring. Pirates’ starting pitchers have still yet to give up a run through the first three games.

Jose Tabata went 1 for 2 with a solo home run to left field in the seventh inning off reliever Esmerling Vasquez. Jordy Mercer was 2 for 3 and Travis Snider drove in two runs, going 1 for 1 with a double and two sacrifice flies.

Chris Leroux, Phil Irwin, and Ryan Reid combined to retire nine straight batters and three strikeouts as they each pitched a scoreless inning.

Jeanmar Gomez got roughed up a bit, giving up four runs on three hits and two walks. Gomez is on the club’s 40-man roster and is out of options, so he is someone to keep an eye on as the spring goes along.

Wandy Rodriguez will make his first start of the spring tomorrow against Baltimore at 1:05 ET.

Final: Pirates 9, Braves 2 (box)

WP: Jason Grilli (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
LP: Jonny Venters (0-1, 18.00 ERA)

James McDonald started and pitched two scoreless innings. He struck out one, walked one, and didn’t allow a hit. Through two games, Pirates’ starters have yet to give up a base hit.

Three of the left-handers competing for bullpen spots pitched this afternoon. Newly acquired Jonathan Sanchez gave up one hit over two scoreless innings along with two strikeouts, a walk, and a HBP. Tony Watson pitched a scoreless inning and gave up two hits. Justin Wilson pitched the ninth inning and gave up a run on two hits.

Closer Jason Grilli got his first action of the spring and pitched a scoreless fifth inning. He struck out two batters and walked one. Jared Hughes did the same with two strikeouts and a walk in a scoreless eighth inning.

Mark Melancon, who was acquired from Boston is the Joel Hanrahan trade, made his Pirates debut in the sixth inning. He gave up a run on two hits, with one of those being a home run by Jason Heyward.

Clint Barmes went 2 for 2 with a two-run home run in the fifth inning off All-Star reliever Jonny Venters. He also singled in the third inning.

Gaby Sanchez and Clint Robinson each doubled as they combined to go 3 for 3 with two doubles, a walk, and three runs scored out of the first base position.

Starling Marte, Andrew McCutchen, Pedro Alvarez, and Neil Walker all went 0 for 2.

Final: Pirates 3, Rays 2 (box)

WP: Jeff Locke (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
LP: J.D. Martin (0-1, 4.50 ERA)
SV: Brooks Brown (1, 0.00 ERA)

Jeff Locke started for the Bucs and pitched three scoreless innings. He struck out one, walked one, and didn’t allow a hit.

Starling Marte went 1 for 2 with a single and a stolen base in the fourth inning. He eventually scored on an RBI groundout by Garrett Jones.

Chris Leroux, Bryan Morris, Mike Zagurski, Duke Welker, and Brooks Brown each pitched a scoreless inning of relief. Vin Mazzero gave up two runs on two hits and a walk.

The Pirates play the Atlanta Braves tomorrow at 1:05 ET. James McDonald will get the nod on the hill for the Bucs with closer Jason Grilli, Jared Hughes, Justin Wilson, Tony Watson, Jonathan Sanchez, and Ryan Reid all schedule to pitch as well.