Pirates, Red Sox play to 4-4 tie
Associated Press
BRADENTON, FLA.
Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer and Gregory Polanco doubled twice as the Pittsburgh Pirates played to a 4-4, nine-inning tie Wednesday with a Boston Red Sox split squad.
McCutchen has hit six homers, including five in his past nine games. He has reached base safely in nine of his past 11 games.
“My stroke has been there all spring,” McCutchen said. “Being consistent with it is the biggest key. The best time to do it is right now, so I’m good.”
Red Sox starter David Price went four innings and gave up a run on four hits, walked one and struck out three.
“I’ve continued to feel better as spring went along,” Price said. That’s what I’m accustomed to and I felt really good today.”
Price, who signed a seven-year, $217 million contract in December, will pitch on Monday in the season opener against the Cleveland Indians.
“I feel good and I’m ready to go,” Price said. “I’ll let my mind rest the next two or three days. It really kicks in about 48 hours before any start. That’s when I’ll really lock it in.”
Boston’s Ryan Hanigan and Blake Swihart hit back-to-back RBI singles in the first inning. Chris Young had an RBI triple in the fifth.
Pirates left-hander Jon Niese worked four innings, allowed two runs on five hits and struck out five.
Jason Rogers, who’s trying to win a bench job with the Pirates, had a run-scoring single and walked four times.
STARTING TIME
Red Sox: Price has been picked to start on opening day five times for three different teams, including the Detroit Tiger last year. His first three outings came with the Tampa Bay Rays.
“This will be the first time I’ve done it on the road, so that will be a little bit different,” Price said. “But that mound is still 60 feet, 6 inches (from the plate) on opening day.”
Price doesn’t plan to pore over scouting reports about the Indians.
“I’ve spent my entire career in this league. I know these teams because I’ve faced them a lot,” he said.
Pirates: Juan Nicasio beat veteran Ryan Vogelsong for the final spot in the starting rotation. Nicasio was signed as a reliever but impressed the staff by stringing together 15 scoreless innings.
“An opportunity arose and he grabbed onto it,” pitching coach Ray Searage said. “We’ve still got that fail-safe with Vogey, who can start and relieve. So can Nicasio, but, right now, Nicasio’s got the edge.”
TRAINER’S ROOM
Pirates: Reliever Jared Hughes (strained lat) most likely will open the season on the disabled list. “It’s a major bummer,” said Hughes, who hasn’t pitched in a game since March 16. ... 3B Jung Ho Kang (leg) played in a minor league game and for the first time was allowed to hit, play defense and run to first base. Previously, Kang was limited to either hitting or fielding on a given day.