Pre-Game Notes

TODAY:
The Pirates are playing a split squad day/night doubleheader against the Reds. Paul Maholm and Cincinnati’s Kirk Saarloos (RH) are scheduled to start game 1. Marty McLeary, Dan Kolb, John Wasdin and Jesse Chavez are also scheduled for the Pirates in game 1.

TONIGHT:
In game 2 Shawn Chacon meets Bobby Livingston (LH) at 7:05. Sean Burnett, Damaso Marte, Jim Brower and Brian Rogers are scheduled to pitch for Pittsburgh in game 2.

YESTERDAY:
The Pirates beat the Red Sox 3-2. Zach Duke allowed four hits and two runs in four plus innings pitched. Ian Snell pitched three hitless innings to earn the win. Josh Sharpless earned his second save with a scoreless 9th inning.
Neil Walker(2 for 2) gave the Pirates the lead with a solo homer in the 7th inning. Jose Bautista was 2 for 2 with a double and a run scored.

PAUL MAHOLM:
Maholm is making his second appearance of the spring. In his first start against the Yankees Maholm went three innings allowing three hits and three earned runs. He has thrown twice on the side since starting a "B" game against the Reds on March 4th.

TOMORROW:
The Pirates meet the Devil Rays at 1:05. Tom Gorzelanny is scheduled to start for the Pirates against Jamie Shields (RHP).

SLIDE NOTES:

• Jason Bay has five hits in his last 10 at bats.
• Brian Bixler has reached base safely in eight of his nine games.
• Jose Castillo has played four games at third base and two at second base.
• Ryan Doumit has reached base safely in five of his last seven plate appearances.
• Brad Eldred homered four times in his first 12 plate appearances and has gone 11-for-29 (.379) in 11 games this spring.
• Jose Hernandez has four hits in his last six at bats.
• Adam LaRoche has five hits in his last 13 at bats.
• Ronny Paulino has homered twice in his last seven at bats and has collected seven hits in his last 11 trips to the plate.
• Neil Walker has been converted from catcher to third base; he has reached base safely seven times in his last nine plate appearances, which includes two home runs in his last three at bats.
• Marty McLeary pitched 2.0 innings at Reds last Sunday and allowed three hits and one run (3 K’s).
• Dan Kolb has gone 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA in his four outings (4.0ip)