Pirates Report: March 7

RAYS 4, PIRATES 2:

Matt Diaz hit a two-run home run and starter Ross Ohlendorf scattered three hits over three innings, but the Pittsburgh Pirates dropped a 4-2 decision to the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday afternoon before 6,118 fans at McKechnie Field.

Neil Walker doubled in the first inning and has now hit safely in six of his first seven games (6-for-20; .300) for the Pirates (5-6).

David Price allowed two runs in four innings of work for the Rays (2-7).

UP NEXT (3/8):

Pittsburgh's Brian Burres will start against Carl Pavano and the Minnesota Twins at 1:05 p.m. Tuesday in Fort Myers. Sean Gallagher, Fernando Nieve, Chris Leroux, Daniel McCutchen and Jeff Locke are also scheduled to pitch for the Pirates.

Prior to the regularly schedule game, the Pirates and Twins will play a “B”
game. Brad Lincoln, Bryan Morris, Ramon Aguero, Kyle McPherson and Justin Wilson are scheduled to pitch for the Pirates against  the Twins'Kevin Slowey, Kyle Gibson, Deolis Guerra and David Bromberg.