Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training: Tony Sanchez Erupts In Black And Gold Game
Aug 18, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Tony Sanchez (59) reacts after making the last out of the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park. The Diamondbacks won 4-2 in sixteen innings. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ Grapefruit League schedule is still a day away, but Tuesday afternoon featured baseball at Bradenton’s McKechnie Field in the form of theBlack and Gold Game.
The intrasquad scrimmage gave some of the Pirates’ depth players a chance to get in some live action before the exhibition season, with catcherTony Sanchezand pitcherStolmy Pimentelstealing the show.
Sanchez, a 25-year-old who made his major-league debut last season, stroked a double and a three-run homer to push Team Gold to an early 3-0 advantage. The opposite-field two-bagger came off Team Black starter Pimentel, and the dinger was struck againstJay Jackson.
Although Pimentel allowed the Sanchez double, the right-handed hurler struck out four in two shutout innings. Pimentel, 23, appeared in five Pirates games last season, the first MLB action for the former Red Sox prospect. He’s a contender for the fifth spot in the Pittsburgh starting rotation, although bullpen duty remains an option as well.
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Gregory Polancobeat out an infield single for Team Black, whileGift Ngoepe, a rare South African pro ballplayer, turned a double play for Team Gold. Ngoepe (pronounced en-WEE-pay) got the start at second base after the team designated infielderChase d’Arnaudfor assignment Monday, a corresponding move to claimingBrent Moreloff waivers.
Free agent signeeTravis Ishikawawas removed from the Black and Gold Game due to leg tightness;Robert Andinodidn’t play because of personal reasons.
According toPittsburgh Tribune-ReviewPirates beat reporter Rob Biertempfel, the Bucs will likely startRussell Martin,Gaby Sanchez,Neil Walker,Jordy Mercer,Pedro Alvarez,Andrew McCutchen,Jose TabataandStarling Marteagainst the Yankees at 1 p.m. Wednesday.