Mar 26, 2005 2 min read

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) – Oliver Perez had an impressive outing, All-Star shortstop Jack Wilson got three hits and the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Tampa Bay Devil Rays 6-2 on Friday. Perez, the Pirates’ young ace, allowed one run and three hits in five innings, striking out five.

Dewon Brazelton was shaky in his first start since being named Tampa Bay’s opening day starter. He gave up two runs, five hits and two walks.

Brazelton, who is 0-11 in road games during his career, pitched five innings, but Devil Rays manager Lou Piniella said the plan was for Brazelton to go six.

“He had to keep pitching out of jams,” Piniella said. “We wanted him to go longer, but he just threw too many pitches.”

Brazelton wasn’t pleased but said he is learning new lessons with every start, especially since getting the opening day nod. He’s struggled with shoulder stiffness all spring, but said there were no problems Friday.

“I feel fine,” Brazelton said. “I’m not totally excited about the way I pitched today, but I can’t get too upset. As long as I keep learning, I feel like I am on my way.”

Brazelton also committed an error in the fourth inning, fielding a slow grounder and firing wide of first base.

Piniella said he is more concerned with his team’s hitting than with Brazelton. It was the third straight game the Devil Rays scored only two runs, and they managed just five hits against the Pirates.

Piniella expressed some frustration before the game, and wasn’t pleased afterward.

“I’ve already said all I can say about the offense,” Piniella said. “I’m done talking about it and I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

Alex Gonzalez hit his third homer of the spring for the Devil Rays.

NOTES: Saturday’s game against Philadelphia will be the final home game of the spring for the Devil Rays. The area around the ballpark must be prepared for the St. Petersburg Grand Prix on April 3.