Pirates pound Astros, 13-1

Associated Press

BRADENTON, Fla.

Andrew McCutchen hit one of Pittsburgh’s four home runs and the Pirates unveiled their new-look batting order Monday in a 13-1 romp over the Houston Astros.

Pirates manager John Russell plans to begin the season with his pitcher hitting eighth, a move that will shift McCutchen from leadoff to second in the batting order.

With pitcher Paul Maholm in the No. 8 spot, Akinori Iwamura hit leadoff, McCutchen was in the No. 2 spot and shortstop Bobby Crosby batted ninth.

The only change Russell might make would be putting Ronny Cedeno, scratched because of lower back pain, in the lineup instead of Crosby.

Iwamura hit a three-run homer and McCutchen, Brandon Jones and Andy LaRoche had two-run shots.

“It sets us up to score more runs,” Russell said. “It really seems to make a lot of sense, a way to get more guys in scoring position in front of Aki, Andrew, [Garrett] Jones and [Ryan] Doumit. It creates good balance in the lineup.”

The Pirates got 15 hits against the Astros, matching their highest output this spring. Maholm tossed five innings and allowed one run and six hits.

“I had a little talk with the guys before the game to tell them I’d better not have to break up any no-hitters,” Maholm said with a laugh. “Those guys are going to be fine. Today, they were relaxed and having fun.”

Astros left-hander Gustavo Chacin gave up seven runs, five of them earned, in two-plus innings.