PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pirates lost a no-hitter with two outs in the ninth against the Braves, winning 9-1.
Nick Mears gave up the only hit and run. After Steven Brault, Miguel Yajure (acquired in the Jameson Taillon trade), Chris Stratton, Edgar Santana, Sam Howard and Sean Poppen combined for 8 innings, no runs, 4 walks and 8 strikeouts.
Bucs came into the game with the second-lowest ERA among Grapefruit League teams at 3.21.
Frazier back in field
Adam Frazier returned to the field, leading off at second base and going 3 for 3 with a run scored. Frazier missed the first week of Spring games with a groin injury.
Others who had multiple hits Tuesday-Ke'Bryan Hayes (2 for 2), Erik Gonzalez (3 for 3), Anthony Alford (2 for 2), Joe Hudson (2 for 3), Hunter Owen (2 for 2)
Opposite 2 innings
In both of his innings, Brault didn't give up a run. That was the only similarity between the two frames.
In the top of the first inning, Brault struck out Ronald Acuna, Jr, Ehire Adrianza and Freddy Freeman in order. In the second inning, Brault walked three as a double play helped him get out of it.
Brault said he got into thinking about his delivery in the second instead of staying competitive.
"I've been working on delivery all off-season," Brault said. "Making sure to really cement everything. Getting here and throwing and not being where I want it to be and then realizing I'm not finishing pitches. It shows me I will make that adjustment again and we will be good."
Braves end Pirates rally without an out
The Pirates scored three in the second inning and the inning ended without the Pirates committing an out. As part of the new rule this year, the Braves starting pitcher Drew Smyly reached his pitch limit. The inning ended despite runners on base and no one retired.
Catcher Joe Hudson was the designed hitter and had a two-run single, following an Anthony Alford RBI single.
Up Next
Lefty Tyler Anderson will start the first night game of 2021 Grapefruit League action. The Bucs in Tampa against the Yankees at 6:35. Listen to it on 100.1 FM and AM 1020, News Radio KDKA.
