Maholm, Snell Offer Differing Results in Games Versus Reds

Paul Maholm was brilliant yet again in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Reds. He pitched 6 scoreless innings, allowing 3 hits and no walks while striking out 4 in the Pirates' 6-5 win. Maholm has not allowed a run in 15 2/3 consecutive Spring innings and his ERA for the Spring is 0.46. Hopefully he can carry this over into the regular season.

On Sunday, Ian Snell was roughed up by these very same Reds in a 6-0 loss. Snell allowed 6 runs off 9 hits and 2 walks in 4 1/3 innings before leaving with a blister on his foot. Apparently, the blister showed up in the second inning, in which Snell allowed 5 runs. Hopefully the blister was to blame for Snell's poor outing.

The Bucs play the Rays on Monday.

In injury news, bench hopeful Andy Phillips remains out with back soreness. He's scheduled for treatment Monday. Pitcher Phil Dumatrait is slowly coming along with his sore shoulder, though he will most likely start the season on the disabled list, according to the PBC blog. Also, reliever Evan Meek will rest for the next few days due to a tired shoulder. Hopefully all is well with him. Meek has pitched great this Spring and remains a contender for a bullpen spot.