Home Opener @ LECOM: Tigers Maul Pirates 6-1

Today's Game:

Home Opener and on TV, yay! Tossing were JT Brubaker, Cody Ponce, Sean Poppen, Braeden Ogle and Max Kranick (Yep, five pitchers for a five inning game as baseball continues to fix things that aren't broken.) Prob a good thing it was a shortie, though, as the Tigers ran away with a 6-1 win.

All five Pittsburgh hurlers went an inning (it should be noted that Detroit is already stretching their guys for two innings, even in the first week). JT gave up a solo homer while Poppen was bruised for four hits and three runs. Kranick walked the first two guys he faced and they both scored on ex-Bucco farmhand JaCoby Jones' double. The Toddfather banged his second long ball of the spring for the home team's point, and Ke'Bryan Hayes doubled for the Pirates only other rap.

JT Brubaker - 2020 photo (Pirates)

Notes:

• Steven Brault sang the National Anthem (via vid; it was a replay of his PNC Park rendition) to open today's game.
• Jared Oliva was supposed to start in center, but he had tightness in his back so Travis Swaggerty manned the spot. Kranick replaced Chris Stratton, who was expected to toss an inning today, no reason given.

Tomorrow's Game

Brault gets his first call of the spring  tomorrow when the Bucs visit Tampa Bay for a 1:05 tilt. He'll be joined by Miguel Yajure, Nick Mears, Carson Fulmer, James Marvel and Shea Spitzbarth. The game will be webcast on pirates.com.