Wilson’s tiebreaking homer lifts Bucs past Phils
BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) – Craig Wilson, trying to find a place in Pittsburgh’s lineup now that he’s no longer platooning, hit a tiebreaking home run in the eighth inning of a 5-4 victory Saturday over the Philadelphia Phillies. Wilson’s solo shot off Rheal Cormier gave him four homers and 10 RBIs this spring. He was expected to split time in right field with Matt Stairs, but those plans changed Friday when the Pirates signed center fielder Kenny Lofton and moved Reggie Sanders to right.
Wilson now seems likely to be the backup catcher, and hopes to get at-bats at first base and right field.
“If I have to back up somewhere for us to win, I’ll do it,” Wilson said. “Whatever it takes.”
Abraham Nunez homered and tripled as the Pirates beat Philadelphia for the second straight day, despite an effective outing by Phillies starter Joe Roa. He gave up four hits and one run, Nunez’s homer in the third.
Roa is expected to start the season as the Phillies’ fifth starter if the injured Brandon Duckworth (inflamed right elbow) isn’t ready. Roa has been competing with Hector Mercado, who was roughed up for three runs and five hits in three innings.
“Roa’s ahead of the pack,” manager Larry Bowa said.
Rookie center fielder Marlon Byrd drove in three of the Phillies’ four runs and had two hits, including a double in the eighth off Matt Herges. Byrd came into the game hitting .167.
Ricky Ledee also had two hits before his string of eight consecutive hits over three games ended with a ground out in his final at-bat.
Jeff Suppan, the Pirates’ No. 4 starter, followed up two mostly ineffective outings by allowing two runs and five hits over five innings.
“He threw strikes,” manager Lloyd McClendon said. “I was pleased with the results.”
Scott Sauerbeck got the save by striking out three in the ninth, despite allowing a hit.
NOTES: Wilson, starting at catcher for only the second time this spring, threw out Nick Punto attempting to steal. … Salomon Torres allowed one hit in five shutout innings in a Pirates’ Triple-A game. He is among four pitchers competing to be the No. 5 starter. … Phillies SS Jimmy Rollins, bothered by a sore hamstring, worked out at their minor league complex in Clearwater, Fla., and might play again in a day or two. … Phillies C Mike Lieberthal, limited to three at-bats so far by an abdominal strain, ran again on a treadmill and might be ready to play again by the middle of next week. … The sellout crowd of 5,837 was the Pirates’ largest at McKechnie Field this spring.