Pirates' hitters began their much-anticipated time off a day early by managing a measley 3 hits - all singles - The Blue Jays beat the Bucs, 4-0, in Dunedin, to snap the short-lived 2-game winning streak..
Toronto's presumptive number one starter, Matt Shoemaker, coming off ACL surgery last April, was impressive. He retired the first six Pirates batters and after Jason Mastin singled to start the third, Shoemaker picked him off then struck out Jake Elmore to end his afternoon.
Adam Frazier and Kevin Newman were the other Pirates sho singled.
Mitch Keller sailed through the first inning, getting three ground balls on a handful of pitches but, after striking out Vladimir Guerrero, Jr. to start the second, he walked Randal Grichuk then with two out gave up a double to Danny Jansen and an RBI single to number 9 hitter Brandon Drury. Keller left the game after getting a fly ball to open the third. He threw 46 pitches, 31 for strikes.
As is the Pirates' custom for road spring training games, manager Derek Shelton met with reporters before the game after veteran RHP Tom Koehler - a non-roster invitee trying to come back from shoulder surgery - announced his retirement but before we got word of Steven Brault's shoulder problems.
Tomorrow, the Pirates will enjoy the first of two days off this spring then will split the squad on Wednesday. Trevor Williams is scheduled to start against the Braves in Bradenton while Hector Noesi is expected to start against the Phillies in Clearwater. You can catch the game against the Phils on Newsradio 1020, KDKA starting at 1:00.
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