Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training

March 16-

Starter Paul Maholm pitched four and two-thirds innings with no scores allowed in the Buc’s 6-4 loss against the Tampa Bay Rays. Maholm only gave up only two hits and one walk during today’s game. Craig Monroe added two more RBI for a total of 11 this spring, hitting into a gap in left-center-field for a double.

The Pirates continue to pare down their spring training roster with a second round of cuts. Pedro Alvarez, the overall No. 2 pick from the 2008 First-Year Player Draft was sent to high Class A Lynchburg after showing promise during camp training. Chronically injured second baseman Shelby Ford was sent to Minor League Camp and will likely be starting as second baseman for Indianapolis. Ronald Uviedo was also sent to Indianapolis. Jimmy Barthmaier, Juan Mateo, and Andrew McCutchen were also reassigned to Minor League camp. Catcher Steve Lerud and Jeff Sues were optioned to Double-A Altoona.

March 17-

The New York Yankees out-scored the Bucs today in a 9-2 loss. Pitcher Virgil Vasquez made his second start of the spring season allowing six runs on seven hits, including one home run. Vasquez pitched two and one third inning before being replaced on the mound by Evan Meek. Jose Tabata hit two against his former team, scoring the first run for the Pirates. Left fielder Jeff Salazar hit a homer in the ninth inning.

31-year-old outfielder Eric Hinske will be returning to play after an injured left ribcage. Hinske has been out of play since February. The Pirates look forward to having the veteran player back to take on a leadership roll for the less experienced players. Hinske will start Wednesday against the Twins.

March 18-

Andrew McCutchen, Anderson Machado, and Jeff Salazar batted in runs to beat the Twins 4-3. McCutchen also hit a single. Zach Duke started on the mound for the fourth time this spring. Jason Davis also pitched, throwing two scoreless innings.

Lefty Tom Gorzelanny, one of the contenders for the Buc’s top five spots, was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis this morning. So far, Paul Malhom, Zach Duke, and Ian Snell are holding the top three spots. Virgil Vasquez, who pitched against the Yankees on Tuesday, may take one of the final spots.

March 20-

Jeff Karstens, who is vying for a place in the Pirate’s pitching rotation, did not make a good case for himself today against the Boston Red Sox. With no strikes, Karstens allowed four hits and three runs in the 11-4 loss against the Red Sox. Craig Monroe continued his strong spring performance with two hits and one run. Robinson Diaz scored twice. Brandon Moss, returning from injury added to the scoreboard as well.

March 21-

The Bucs beat the Reds 6-5 today as Paul Maholm continued to breeze through spring training. Maholm had four strike outs and allowing only three hits and no runs. Nate McLouth hit his third homerun of the spring in the fourth inning. Freddy Sanchez, Ramon Vasquez, and Ryan Doumit also scored in today’s game.

Andy Phillips, hoping for one of the Pirates two open bench spots, may not make the team’s Opening Day roster due to bulging discs in his lower back. Phillips mentioned his injury earlier in the month. His injury may be enough to keep him off of the team.

March 22-

The Bucs took on the Reds again today with a much different outcome as Pittsburgh was shut out 6-0. Pitcher Ian Snell allowed six runs on nine hits during his first start after returning from the World Baseball Classic. Sean Burnett and Matt Capps relieved, each pitching a scoreless inning.

We Are Family: The Emerson Girl’s Volleyball team works together to win

Last year, the Emerson girl’s volleyball team set the school's record for single season wins. This year they set the record again. With an ever-improving record, the Lady Lions are moving their way up the Great Northeast Athletic Conference. But what really brings the team together is not glory, but friendship.

Allie Rosenberg is one of the team’s most seasoned players. The junior defensive specialist has been on the Emerson volleyball team for three years. As a co-captain on this year’s team, Rosenberg has high hopes for the future. “Our record this fall was 21-11, which was the best record in Emerson Volleyball history. Through recruiting for next season and the returners we have, I fully expect to win the GNAC championships,” she said.

Last season the team finished third in their conference. The coach of both Emerson’s men’s and women’s volleyball teams, Craig Letourneau, is determined to continue to help the team improve. “This was a better season than the year before. What we’re trying to do is improve our program every year,” Letourneau said.

But the driving force behind last season’s Lady Lions is their close friendships. “The team this year is the closest team I have been on. They are my best friends. I couldn’t have asked for better group of girls,” Rosenberg said. For Rosenberg, the only four-season senior on next year’s team, volleyball is an integral part of college life.

“I moved in early my freshman year for pre-season, made my friends through the team and so on. If I wasn't playing volleyball I would have an entirely different outlook on Emerson, I would have different friends and different memories. I am glad I played sports here though, because I think it made that transition from high school to college that much easier because I was involved in something from day one,” Rosenberg said.

Coach Letourneau agrees. “I think they’re a family. They’re a very close knit group. As a group they all get along tremendously well,” he said. He credits each girl’s ability to work together for the team’s success. “Allie has a great work ethic. She’s a leader. She has a great demeanor with her teammates, and she’s worked hard to get where she’s at,” Letourneau said.

The Emerson girl’s volleyball team has a lot to look forward to in the seasons ahead. “Definitely we want to focus on consistency. I don’t think we’re always an offensive team. Before that, we’re going to work on strength and conditioning and mental toughness,” Letourneau said. With the hope of breaking yet another single-season win record, the Lady Lions need to stay together-- both on and off the court.