McDonald struggles, Pirates lose exhibition finale 8-6 to Double-A affiliate Altoona Curve

Published January 13, 2015

James McDonald was tagged for four runs and three hits in the first inning, and the Pittsburgh Pirates lost to their Double-A Altoona affiliate 8-6 in their final exhibition game Saturday.

Starling Marte hit a grand slam in the second that tied the score at 4. Russell Martin also had two hits for Pittsburgh.

McDonald left in the second, but all the damage was done in the first after the Curve sent nine batters to the plate. The right-hander gave up three walks, a wild pitch and a two-run double just inside the right-field line by Carlos Paulino.

It wasn't the outing that the Pirates' No. 3 starter was looking for heading into the season after struggling in the second half of 2012.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/mcdonald-struggles-pirates-lose-exhibition-finale-8-6-to-double-a-affiliate-altoona-curve