Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. | Ballpark: PNC Park (38,496) | Spring Training: Bradenton, Fla.
Principal Owner: Bob Nutting | CEO: Frank Coonelly | GM: Neal Huntington | Manager: John Russell | World Championships: 5
--SS Jack Wilson went 2-for-3 with a double, two runs scored and one RBI in six innings and moved well on the bases and in the field during the second game of his injury rehabilitation assignment with Class AAA Indianapolis. Wilson, on the disabled list since April 4 with a slightly torn muscle in his left calf, is 3-for-6 in his first two games.
--INF Doug Mientkiewicz made his second straight start at third base in place of Jose Bautista and hit a two-run home run, his first since last Sept. 18 when he was playing for the New York Yankees against Baltimore. Mientkiewicz had been in a 6-for-41 slump until going 3-for-5 with two walks Thursday against St. Louis.
--LHP Tom Gorzelanny's struggles with the longball were surprising Friday as he gave up four home runs in seven innings. He had allowed only three homers in his previous seven starts and 34 2/3 innings this season.
--RHP Franquelis Osoria has exhibited outstanding control in middle relief; he pitched two more innings Friday without walking a batter. Osoria has gone 18 innings since his last base on balls.
--LHP Zach Duke will try to continue his recent run of good pitching Saturday when he starts against the Cubs in Chicago. Duke is 2-0 with a 2.21 ERA in his last three starts. He is also 3-3 with a 2.93 ERA in seven career starts at Wrigley Field.
BY THE NUMBERS 9-3, 3.46 -- Pirates left-handed pitchers' cumulative record and ERA in the first 18 home games this season.
QUOTE TO NOTE "I know I'm a major-league players and it's just a matter of circumstances right now. Don't worry, this isn't the end of Nyj." -- OF Nyjer Morgan after being optioned to Class AAA Indianapolis.
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According to Sports Illustrated's website, the Pirates have traded relief pitcher Demaso Marte and right fielder Xavier Nady to the New York Yankees for
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Both hit homers so far in this game. They are essentially writing their ticket out of Pittsburgh, I just hope this ups the price and teams are willing to give more.
After the deserved verbal thrashing we all rightfully gave this young man after his first two/three starts; I think it is only fitting that we congratulate the guy on a well-pitched game.
6 Innings 6 hits 0 runs 1 bb 4 k's
Good for him! Will it continue? I don't know, he does serve up a nice juicy fastball. He did show some good stuff, but you can