The first hit for the Pirates didn’t come until the seventh inning when Gorkys Hernandez reached on an infield single and later scored on an error. The only other Pirate hit came from Jordy Mercer on a solid single to left. It was a very disappointing offensive day for the Pirates, although you can rest easier knowing that the Phillies were throwing out major league arms all afternoon.
The Pirates pitching was okay today. Charlie Morton made his first start of the spring and gave up four hits in two innings but got a couple of big strikeouts to keep runs off the board. He faced nine batters, and allowed seven balls to go into play; five of which were hit on the ground. Chris Resop pitched a perfect third inning but gave up a solo home run in the fourth. His ERA sits at 3.60 for the spring through five innings pitched.
Tony Watson gave up a solo home run of his own as his spring struggles continue. Watson has a 11.25 ERA in four innings. Rudy Owens set the Phillies down in order in his first inning of the spring, Ryota Igarashi gave up two runs in two innings, and Juan Cruz put up a zero in the ninth with a walk and a strikeout.
After a hot start with the bats this March, the Pirates have come back to earth these last two games with just six hits. Their meaningless record sits at 3-7, although they have played much better than that.