Pirates Hang On 6-5 Behind Newman, E-Gon & Evans; More Moves

Today's Game:

Mitch Keller, Geoff Hartlieb, Trevor Cahill, Duane Underwood Jr, Chris Stratton and Luis Oviedo climb the hill against the Twinkies. Kevin Newman was at short, Erik Gonzalez at short, Dustin Fowler patrolling center and Tony Alford in right.

Keller went 3-1/3 frames and gave up four runs. Three singles and a wild pickoff led to a second inning score, and a single and two doubles plated in the fourth before Hartlieb could put out the fire. Cahill clamed things down with two clean innings and Underwood another (with two K). Oviedo gave up a single/double combo to cut the lead to one, but allowed no further damage as the Bucs hung on to take an eight-inning (by agreement), 6-5 win.

Mitch still looking for his mojo - 2021 photo Pirates

Phil Evans was a one-man RBI machine early, with a first-inning sac fly and a two-run dink in the third. E-Gon tied it in the fifth with a walk followed by a steal, bad throw and passed ball as the O's gave their hosts a gift. Gonzalez kept on, doubling home a pair in the sixth. His tallies were enough as Pittsburgh held on.

Notes:

• Kevin Newman had three hits & three runs scored while Erik Gonzalez added two more hits with a run and two RBI. Rare day for Bucco batters - they walked more times (5) than they fanned (4).
• Quinn Priester was slated to go today, but instead worked live BP in camp, no reason given. 
• On the injury front, no word yet on Steven Brault (left arm) except that his Wednesday start was scratched nor on Blake Cederlind's elbow.
• After the game, the Pirates optioned OF Jared Oliva and RHP Edgar Santana while IF Kevin Kramer and RHP Shea Spitzbarth were reassigned to minor league camp.
• Pirates tickets go on sale tomorrow. They will be limited to the first two homestands (12 games) to allow flexibility on the seating numbers and protocol. The first batch will be sold with a 25% occupancy cap.

Tomorrow's Game:

The Twins come to Bradenton for a 1:05 game aired by AT&T SportsNet. On the agenda to toss are Chase De Jong, Miguel Yajure, Kyle Crick, Michael Feliz and Sam Howard.