Kang Drives In 3 Runs As Pirates Beat Braves
BRADENTON - Rookie second basement baseman Jung Ho Kang homered and drove in three runs as the Pirates beat the Braves 4-2 in Kissimmee Sunday afternoon.
Kang had a two-out single driving in his first run off Jason Grilli in the seventh inning and then hit a 2-run homer to left off Michael Kohn in the ninth inning.
"It was a very, very good day at the plate for him. He stayed on a breaking ball and lined out. Was able to single sharp to center, then obviously got to a ball up top and carried that one out. Got on the back side of it and rode it out of the ballpark. Nothing can breed confidence like some success for players," manager Clint Hurdle said.
Kang's average this Spring is now .171 with two homers and 4 RBI.
Stolmy Impresses
Thought to be a long-shot to make the Pirates' roster, reliever Stolmy Pimentel started and went two scoreless innings giving up a hit and a strikeout, dropping his ERA this Spring to 5.40.
"He had command of all of his pitches today," Hurdle said. "He was efficient, I think he was 7-for-7 in first pitch strikes. The breaking ball played as well. A very crisp performance."
Radhamas Liz went three innings, the only run he gave up was a homer to Chris Johnson. Liz later worked out of a jam in the fifth inning after a pair of walks.
Decker Update
Outfielder Jaff Decker suffered a left calf strain running out a ground ball in sixth inning. Hurdle said he would be evaluated in Bradenton Sunday night.
2013 first round pick Austin Meadows started in right and went 1-for-4 with a triple and run scored in his first at bat.
