×
X logo

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox.

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)

You may opt-out anytime by clicking "unsubscribe" from the newsletter or from your account.

Worley, Burnett Get Loose; Twins Beat Bucs, 7-4

BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) – After a few bumpy spring training outings, pitcher Vance Worley showed why he deserves to be the Twins’ opening day starter.

Worley settled down after the first inning and rolled through five in a 7-4 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday.

Over his first five Grapefruit League outings, Worley had a 6.35 ERA, allowing 27 hits in 17 innings. Wednesday, Worley held the Pirates to two runs on seven hits and struck out five.

The Bucs loaded the bases in the first inning with one out but scored just one run. In the third, Worley served up a solo homer to Pedro Alvarez.

Danny Ortiz hit a two-run homer and Doug Bernier had three hits for the Twins. Ortiz’s shot to right field off reliever Chris Leroux sparked a four-run eighth inning. Bernier opened the scoring in the second inning with an RBI double off right-hander A.J. Burnett.

Burnett, who will be the Pirates’ opening day starter, pitched three innings. He allowed two runs on four hits and struck out two.

It was the first time since March 9 that Burnett pitched in an “A” game. He opted to do much of his preparation this spring in minor league games. That allowed the Pirates to have younger pitchers competing for jobs pitch in the Grapefruit League games.

“It was good to get up there in front of my guys and in front of the fans and face big league hitters,” Burnett said. “But it’s spring. For a guy at my age and what I’ve done, I’ve just got to get ready. Now we play games that mean something. It’s time to go.”

Alvarez had four hits and three RBIs. Starling Marte went 3 for 5 and has reached base safely in eight straight games.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.73/week.

Subscribe Today