Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training: Tony Sanchez Blast Lifts Bucs To Win Over Yankees
Feb 26, 2014; Bradenton, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Tony Sanchez (26) works out prior to the game at McKechnie Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Pittsburgh Pirates got their Grapefruit League slate off to a positive start by erasing an early four-run deficit to come from behind to defeat the New York Yankees 6-5 Wednesday afternoon.
CatcherTony Sanchez, who homeredyesterday in the Black and Gold Game, tied the game at five with a three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh andChris McGuinessgave the Bucs their first lead of the game shortly later with a single that platedChris Dickerson.
As I looked at earlier today, Sanchez could force the Piratesinto a tough decisionif he can keep hitting the ball.
The Pirates fell behind early as Opening Day starterFrancisco Lirianogave up a pair of runs early in the game.
Brian McCannandRamon Floresdelivered RBI singles for the Yankees in the first inning as Liriano walked a batter and allowed three hits in his only inning of the game.
NewcomerEdinson Volquezalso allowed a pair of runs in the second inning on two-run homer fromYangervis Solarteto put the Bronx Bombers up 4-0. In his first outing of the spring, Volquez allowed a walk and a hit. It was the walk that led to the homer, and control is a concern for Volquez heading into the season.
The Bucs got on the board in their half of the second with an RBI single fromJordy MercerandStarling Marte‘sreaching on an error by Solarte. The inning could have been bigger butPedro Alvarezstruck out with the bases loaded.
The Pirates pitching settled down after that with nice innings fromJeanmar Gomez,Vin MazzaroandBryan Morris. All in all the Bucs used nine pitchers, each throwing one inning a piece.
Clint Hurdle‘s starting lineup for the Grapefruit League opener featured: Marte,Russell Martin,Andrew McCutchen, Alvarez,Neil Walker,Gaby Sanchez,Andrew Lambo,Jose Tabataand Mercer.
Tony Sanchez, McGuiness and McCutchen each had two of the Pirates 11 hits on the afternoon.
The Bucs and Yankees will meet again tomorrow in Tampa.Charlie Mortonis scheduled to be the starter for the Bucs.