The Bucs had their first loss yesterday against the Yankees 2 - 6. Bubba pitched 1.2 innings and walked four batters and surrendered four runs.
Bubba didn't surrender any hits and seemed upbeat in his most game interview. Nick Gonzales had a bit a comeback game with 2 hits in 3 at bats. Reynolds drew walks in both of his plate appearances continuing his perfect OBP for the spring. Hunter Barco had similar control issues walking 3 in 1.2 innings. The rest of the opening day bullpen candidates were scoreless.
The Pirates struggled to generate consistent offense in a 6–2 loss to the New York Yankees in their Spring Training matchup in Bradenton. While the team managed to put two runs on the board, most of the offensive opportunities were limited, and several Pirates hitters came up empty against Yankees pitching. According to the box score, Pirates leadoff singles and contributions did come, but the lineup largely went quiet after initial baserunners, with many players finishing the game without a hit.
Offensively, Oneil Cruz was one of the brighter spots with a leadoff hit, showing good bat-to-ball skills early, but failed to come around to score more than once in the contest. Phil Henry reached base and recorded an RBI, driving in one of Pittsburgh’s two runs, providing a small spark in an otherwise quiet day at the plate. Several other regulars and role players — including Nick Gonzales, Bryan Reynolds, and others in the order — were held in check by New York’s pitching staff, leaving multiple runners stranded and unable to build offensive momentum.
On the mound, Pirates starter Bubba Chandler struggled with command, issuing four walks in the second inning that contributed to the early deficit and forcing an early exit from the game. This inability to find the zone allowed the Yankees to seize momentum and build a lead they would not relinquish. Relievers that followed worked to limit further damage, but the Yankees’ offense — including a late solo home run — continued to apply pressure against Pittsburgh’s pitching throughout the middle innings.
Defensively and on the basepaths, Pittsburgh showed effort but just couldn’t fully capitalize on scoring chances, as the Yankees pitching and timely defense kept the Pirates’ rallies short. The loss underscored areas the Pirates will look to refine as spring training continues, particularly offensive consistency and early pitching command.