2013 First-Round Pick Austin Meadows Makes Major Impact
BRADENTON - For a second straight day, a Pirates 2013 first-round pick had an extra base hit in his first major league Spring Training at bat.
Sunday, it was outfielder Austin Meadows, who triple and scored in the third inning of a 4-2 Bucs win over the Braves.
"It was awesome, it was a great experience," Meadows said as he also started in right field. "I was fortunate enough for the Pirates to let me come up here and play, especially a full nine innings. You know, I really enjoyed it and looking forward to what is coming up next."
"We want to bring some of these young men up and give them some exposure," said manager Clint Hurdle. "We bring a couple of guys up, also, when we go to Philadelphia (for the final two exhibition games) so they can play with a second deck, the lights and the crowd."
Meadows will start the season in High-A Bradenton after dealing with a hamstring injury last year that limited him to 45 minor league games.
"I get goosebumps, when Reese doubles yesterday, it takes me way back when. And then for Meadows to stay on that ball and rifle it off a really good major league pitcher, to get a hit up here in Spring Training. It's a feel good for everyone in the organization," Hurdle said.