Vogelsong Strong in Pirates 3-1 Win Over the Boston Red Sox

Ryan Vogelsong went four innings and Pedro Florimon drove in two runs as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Boston Red Sox today at JetBlue park by a final score of 3-1

The Pittsburgh Pirates pitchers shined in today's win over the Boston Red Sox. Six Pirates pitchers combined to give up only one run in the Pirates 3-1 win over the Red Sox. Ryan Vogelsong started the game for Pittsburgh and pitched very well in his third spring training outing. On the offensive side, Pedro Florimon continued his hot spring training driving in two runs in the victory.

Vogelsong showed great poise on the mound today throwing 4.0 innings giving up one run on four hits while striking out two. Vogelsong was able to bounce back nicely in this start after giving up 3 runs in 3.0 innings of work. Vogelsong is trying to have a bounce back season after struggling with the Giants last season. So far in spring training, he has shown resilience on the mound to get out of certain situations. The big blow to Vogelsong today was a home run by Pablo Sandoval in the second inning.

Vogelsong has given up eight hits in nine innings of work. He will have to reduce the number of hits he gives up throughout the season. On a positive note, he has struck out 4 batters in those nine innings of work while only walking two. If he can keep striking out two batters for every one walk he will be good for the rest of the season.

Kyle Lobstein was next and despite pitching in a little bit of trouble, he got out of the inning with a scoreless frame. He threw 1.0 inning giving up two hits while striking out two and walking one. Lobstein has shown success early in spring training, and as the fight for the fifth starter spot rages on, Lobstein has yet to give up a run in spring training. He has walked quite a few batters, but has shown that he can work out of tough situations and strand runners.

Trey Haley followed and threw a scoreless inning of relief giving up two hits and walking a batter. In five spring training innings, Haley has struck out four batters and has only given up two walks. Haley will more than likely start the year in Double A Altoona, but the spring training success will no doubt help him in his development in the minor leagues.

The competition for the middle relief spot in the bullpen was next as Eric O'Flaherty and John Holdzkum were next. Each threw a scoreless inning of relief. O'Flaherty retired the side in order while Holdzkum walked a batter and struck one out.

Currently in the middle of the Pirates bullpen Jared Hughes and Arquimedes Caminero are locked in. However that last middle relief spot is still up fro grabs and guys like Holdzkum, O'Flaherty, and Rob Scahill will be battling for it. So far of the three O'Flaherty has had the best spring training. Holdzkum and Scahill have been roughed up as of late, but today's performance proves that Holdzkum could be headed in the right direction.

Daniel Bard finished out the game throwing a scoreless inning while striking out one. Most of his spring training outings have been coming in for one or two outs. Acquired threw a minor league deal this off-season, Bard is looking to turn around his career after being out of the league since 2013. He has pitched for the Red Sox throughout his career and kept his ERA anywhere between the mid 3's to the low 2's. With Ray Searage working with him Bard can try and work things out in Triple A and eventually make his way to the major leagues.

Overall, the pitching did fantastic today and kept a pretty potent offense at bay. Besides the Sandoval home run, the Red Sox offense was kept quiet for most of the day. Vogelsong had a strong showing and proved he has what it takes to compete at the major league level. If Vogelsong can compete and keep the Pirates in ball games, it will go a long way to helping the Pirates succeed in 2016.

The offense was rather quiet today but managed to score just enough runs to squeeze out a victory. With the loss of power bats like Pedro Alvarez and Neil Walker, sometimes the Pirates will have to win the close ones like they did today.

Jake Goebbert shined today going 2 for 2 with one RBI on the day. Goebbert is one of many first baseman on the roster that is vying for major league playing time in 2016. Goebbert might be put on the back burner with guys like John Jaso, David Freese, and Michael Morse all ahead of him for the first base job. However, he does provide good infield depth down in Triple A Indianapolis.

Pedro Florimon had the big hit that sealed the victory for the Pirates. With one run in on the Goebbert single, Florimon stepped up with two on and two out and promptly delivered a two out two RBI single that put the Pirates ahead for good. Florimon finished the day going 1 for 3 with that RBI single.

Cole Figueroa performed well today as well going 2 for 2. Figueroa has performed well so far in spring training hitting .350 and showing the ability to play multiple positions on the field including third base, short stop, second base, left field, and right field. This versatile depth in Triple A will be key to helping out the Pirates in 2016.

Overall, today was a good day for the Pirates as they showed they can pitch with any team in the major leagues. Small ball will be the name of the game for the Pirates this season as they look to score as many runs as they can to pull out close victories. I feel that this team is equipped to succeed this season and beyond.

The Pirates have an off day tomorrow but return to action on Wednesday when they take on the Baltimore Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium. The Orioles will throw out righty Kevin Gausman who threw two scoreless inning in his last outing. The Pirates will counter with righty Juan Nicasio who has had a strong spring throwing six scoreless innings while striking out six batters. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.