BRADENTON, Fla. (KDKA/AP) – Pirates starter James McDonald pitched two scoreless innings in the 2-0 win Tuesday over the New York Yankees.

The Pirates gave up a total of four hits and struck out eight in the shutout in Bradenton.

After the game McDonald said, “today was a success. The goal was to get ahead, throw strikes and really be efficient. Try to get early outs, early swings. Just get the ball over the plate.”

McDonald split time as a starter and reliever last season with the Los Angeles Dodgers. After he was traded to the Pirates on July 31, he became a full-time starter.

This is the first time McDonald has gone into spring training knowing that he’s locked up a rotation spot. He will be splitting time with Kevin Correia, Paul Maholm and Ross Ohlendorf.

“It doesn’t make it easier because you still have to go out there and help your team win,” McDonald said. “It makes me feel better. I feel a little more comfortable doing what I need to do. But I don’t take it for granted that I’m on the team and just sit back and relax.”

Manager Clint Hurdle sat a number of starters during Tuesday’s game including Andrew McCutchen, Neil Walker, Ryan Doumit, Pedro Alvarez, Lyle Overbay and Jose Tabata.

Shortstop Pedro Ciriaco’s RBI double gave the Pirates a 1-0 lead in the sixth inning. In the seventh, Garrett Jones walked and scored on Josh Fields’ sacrifice fly.

RELATED LINKS:
Pittsburgh Pirates
New York Yankees
Pirates Beat Rays, Lose To O’s In Split Squad Games
More Pirates News
More Sports News