BRADENTON (93.7 The Fan) - Once again, the offensively-challenged Pirates struggled at the plate while pitching was just as bad, if not worse, as the beleaguered Buccos lost to the Orioles, 13-0 in Sarasota, to remain winless in the Grapefruit League
33 year-old right hander Hector Noesi, in camp on a minor league contract, pitched well in his 2-inning start - 1 hit, 2 strikeouts and 0 walks - but his followers did not fare anywhere near as well.
Keone Kela got his work in, giving up 3 runs on 3 hits - 2 doubles, a home run and a sacrifice fly.
The unfortunate Geoff Hartlieb failed to complete his inning, rocked for 5 runs on a walk, 2 singles and 2 doubles. The 5th run scored when van rider Pedro Vasquez allowed a bloop double then a 6th run scored that inning when familiar Grapefruit League foe Trey Mancini singled. Chris Stratton gave up 2 solo homers in the 5th and Cody Ponce allowed a 2-run shot in the 7th.
The only real chance for the Pirates to score came in the 4th. Colin Moran singled and looked as if he'd score on a Jake Stallings double to right center but was somehow cut down at the plate. Moran also doubled but infielder Philip Evans had the only other hit for the Bucs still looking for some kind of breakout..
But Shelton, a former hitting coach, remains unfazed. "We're 6 games in; I think we've had some good st bats and people have made some good plays against us," reasoned Shelton who watch Baltimore outfielders make at least 3 plus-plays to rob Pittsburgh batters this afternooon, "that's going to happen; I'm not overly concerned about that."
The Bucs will play the Orioles again Friday, this time in Bradenton. Trevor Williams is scheduled to make his second start of the spring with, among others, Steven Brault, Edgar Santana and Chad Kuhl also expected to pitch.
