Top prospect Mitch Keller had five strikeouts and allowed one run in three-plus innings as the starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 2-2 tie against the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Keller retired four of the first five he faced but allowed three hits in the second inning. The right-hander struck out three of the final five he faced, including former Pirates minor league teammate Austin Meadows.
Five strikeouts over three innings for Keller.#LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/KotCeayKnC
— Pirates (@Pirates) March 8, 2020
Five other Pirates pitchers — Luis Escobar, Nik Turley, Yacksel Rios, Miguel Del Porzo and Montana DuRapau — worked an inning each without allowing a hit, run or walk. Turley had two strikeouts to give him seven in 3 1/3 innings this spring.
Left-handed reliever Sam Howard walked two and hit a batter in allowing a run during the Rays fifth inning.
Colin Moran went 2 for 3 with an RBI for the Pirates, who are 3-12-2 in Grapefruit League play.
The Pirates announced they will throw several pitchers who are expected to be on the Opening Day roster during a scheduled 1:05 p.m. game Monday at Bradenton’s LECOM Park. Trevor Williams, Keone Kela, Nick Burdi, Kyle Crick, Edgar Santana and Geoff Hartlieb are scheduled to face the Toronto Blue Jays.
Love baseball? Stay up-to-date with the latest Pittsburgh Pirates news.
