Following a moment of silence in honor of the late Bill Mazeroski, the Pirates began the 2026 Grapefruit League season with an 8-2 win over the Orioles in Sarasota, Florida.
Mazeroski died early Saturday at the age of 89. He was the second member of the 1960 World Series champion Pirates to pass away in a span of eight days, following the death last week of Elroy Face.
Newcomer Ryan O’Hearn hit a three-run home run and catcher Endy Rodriguez hit a two-rum shot in a six-run fifth inning for the Bucs.
While Nick Gonzalez started at shortstop for the Pirates, top prospect Konnor Griffin replaced Gonzalez and went 0-for-2 at the plate, striking out both times.
Wilbur Dotel started for the Pirates, leading a contingent of seven minor league pitchers on Saturday. The big leaguers get their chance today as the Bucs will play a split-squad twinbill. Mitch Keller will start in Bradenton against the Tampa Bay Rays (WCCS at 1:00) and Braxton Ashcraft will start in Clearwater against the Phillies.
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