Bad Pitching Dooms Bucs

The Pirates lost their Spring game today against the Boston Red Sox, by a score of 11-4. Though the Bucs' offense didn't do too much, leaving 10 on base and managing just 2 extra base hits, it was the pitching that made this game one-sided. Jeff Karstens, in a feeble attempt to claim the final starting rotation spot, allowed 4 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks in 3 innings. Rule 5 pick Donnie Veal followed by allowing 1 run on 4 walks, 1 hit batter and a wild pitch in 1 2/3 innings. Denny Bautista, who is fighting an uphill battle to make the team, allowed a run on 3 hits with 0(!) walks and 2 strike outs in 1 1/3 innings. Then came Sean Burnett, who has been pitching like he doesn't even want to make the team. Burnett allowed 3 runs on 3 hits in a single inning, raising his Spring ERA to 10.80. Oh, it's not over. Evan Meek, one of the more pleasant surprises of the Spring, gave up 2 runs on 2 hits, 2 walks and 2 wild pitches in 2/3 of an inning. Chris Bootcheck finished things off with by retiring the only batter he faced. Granted, the Red Sox used all regulars, with the exception of Kevin Youkilis, and the Pirates used a younger lineup, but still. 9 walks, 3 wild pitches, 2 hit batters?! Just an ugly game. Up next, the Bucs play the Reds on Saturday.