Bucs Defeat Twins, Improve to 7-3 in Spring

The Pirates routed the Twins today, 10-1, in a Grapefruit League match-up. Zach Duke started and went 3 innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 run. Daniel McCutchen, Craig Hansen, Chris Bootcheck, Tyler Yates and Juan Mateo followed holding the Twins to 2 hits and 2 walks in 6 scoreless innings. Adam LaRoche hit his first homer of the spring and was one of 11 different Pirates to each have at least one hit. The Pirates play the Astros on Sunday.

Injury Update: Outfielder Brandon Moss left today's game with a sprained right thumb. Finger injuries can linger, so let's hope the forthcoming MRI offers some hope.

Steve Pearce remains of out action due to a sore calf. He is taking batting practice but has yet to be cleared for running or fielding exercises. Before the injury, he was already on the bubble to make the Opening Day roster. The lack of game action for him could mean he's out of the running.

MLB Network update: Okay, so it looks the Pirate edition of 30 Clubs in 30 Days will debut at 6:30 tonight, instead of 6 pm, which I mentioned the other day, or 11 pm, which I mentioned weeks ago. My cable menu still says 6, and the MLB Net website still says 6, but on the channel earlier today, they said 6:30. So, I'm going with 6:30.