The Boston Red Sox dropped a 9-7 decision to the Pittsburgh Pirates at LECOM Park on Sunday in spring training play. Despite Mickey Gasper's 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBI effort at the plate, the Sox could not pull even when it mattered. Jake Bennett worked 1.2 innings on the mound, allowing 2 earned runs on 2 hits. The Sox finished with 13 hits on the day while holding the Pirates to 12. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Key Performers
Mickey Gasper was the key contributor at the plate, going 2-for-2 with a home run and two RBI. His ability to drive the ball out of the park was the highlight of the afternoon. Performances like this give the Sox confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Ahbram Liendo chipped in, going 1-for-2 with a double and two RBI, Andruw Monasterio added to the attack, going 2-for-2 with an RBI, and Matt Thaiss provided support, going 1-for-4 with an RBI. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Billy Cook led the Pirates offense with a 3-for-3 with a home run, a double, and three RBI day. Nick Yorke also contributed, going 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBI. Rafael Flores Jr. added a 1-for-1 with an RBI effort as well. The Pirates offense proved to be too much for the Sox pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Jake Bennett took the loss after struggling with his command, working 1.2 innings while allowing 2 earned runs on 2 hits with two strikeouts. He threw 41 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Sox evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 4.7 innings of work, allowing 7 earned runs while striking out eight. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions. Cam Sanders recorded the save to close out the game.
Among the relievers, Tyler Uberstine stood out with 2.1 innings of 1-run work, striking out four. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Pirates got on the board first with two runs in the second inning. The Sox answered with a run in the third. Pirates responded with a run in the third. The Sox countered with a run in the fourth. Pirates struck back with a run in the fourth. The Sox answered with a run in the fifth. Pirates responded with four runs in the sixth. The Sox countered with two runs in the seventh. The Sox plated two runs in the eighth. Pirates answered with a run in the eighth. The Pirates were able to score in five separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. The Sox out-hit Pirates 13-12 on the day, with 2 errors committed between the two clubs. A crowd of 6,684 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was not the outcome the Sox were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.