Pirates Report: March 20

PIRATES 3, ASTROS 1:

Ronny Cedeno hit a two-run home run, and Charlie Morton pitched six scoreless innings as the Pittsburgh Pirates beat the Houston Astros 3-1 on Sunday in Kissimmee.

Charlie Morton allowed just four hits and struck out five, lowering his ERA
to 1.29 this spring.

Steve Pearce went 2-for-4 and now has eight hits in his last 15 at bats for the Pirates (10-14).

Jameson Taillon, the Pirates' 2010 first round-draft selection, made his first appearance of the spring Sunday against the Yankees' Single-A team at Pirate City and allowed one earned run in two innings, striking out two batters.

UP NEXT (MARCH 21):

The Pirates host the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 p.m. at McKechnie Field. Paul Maholm is expected to start for Pittsburgh against Minnesota’s Brian Duensing. Chris Resop, Jose Veras and Sean Gallagher are also scheduled to pitch for the Pirates.