Pirates Fans Get First Look At Kang In Intrasquad Game
PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) - In a relaxed intrasquad game at McKechnie Field under sunny skies and 81-degree temperatures, Team Black edged out Team Gold, 2-1 in the 5 ½ inning contest.
Jose Tabata's sac fly proved to be the game-winner for Team Black, but the appeal for the 3,012 fans that attended the scrimmage was to see Jung Ho Kang in a Pirates uniform for the first time.
Kang started at shortstop for Team Black, hit third in the lineup and played three innings in the field.
Kang looked smooth on a first inning grounder hit to his left, ranging a few steps and then throwing with ease and accuracy across the diamond.
In his only at bat, Kang rolled over a ground ball to the shortstop, finishing the day 0-for-1.
Kang was asked if there were any nerves on his first day seeing real, live pitching, albeit against his own teammates.
"No, not really," Kang said through interpreter HK Kim.
Though it was just a one at-bat sample size, Kang also told reporters that he didn't notice a big difference in the style of pitching from what he was used to seeing in the Korean Baseball Organization.
Gregory Polanco was an offensive hero for Team Gold, going 2-for-3 with a double.
Recently acquired from the Orioles, Steve Lombardozzi played the entire game at second base for Team
Black and went 1-for-2.
Team Black first baseman Andrew Lambo had an RBI-single and also recorded a well-struck line out to right field and looked comfortable at first base.
Pirates Infielder Jung-ho Kang talked about his first game with the Pirates
Manager Clint Hurdle recapped the game and what he saw from his team
The Pirates travel to Dunedin to face former catcher Russell Martin and the Blue Jays in the official Grapefruit League opener on Tuesday at 1:05 p.m. Casey Sadler is expected to start for Pittsburgh against Toronto's Aaron Sanchez.
Stolmy Pimentel, Bobby LaFromboise, Rob Scahill and Brad Lincoln are also slated to pitch for the Pirates. The game will air on Sportsradio 93.7 The Fan with Greg Brown and Steve Blass on the call.
NOTES:
First baseman Corey Hart sustained a cut on his foot that required three stitches, according to Manager Clint Hurdle. Hart cut his foot while getting into a hot tub on Sunday at Pirate City.
