BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) — James Shields had his toughest outing of the spring Thursday in the Tampa Bay Rays’ 8-6 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Tampa Bay’s opening day starter gave up five runs, three earned, in 5 2/3 innings, but received a standing ovation when he was lifted with two outs in the bottom of the sixth.
Shields allowed 10 hits, including homers to Rod Barajas and Yamaico Navarro, but struck out six and walked two.
Pirates starter Jeff Karstens allowed three runs, two earned, and four hits in five innings. The right-hander walked four and struck out three in his third spring start.