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McDonald Strong In Spring Finale; Pirates Lose To Phillies, 7-2

PITTSBURGH (93-7 The FAN) — In his first start since allowing 10 runs in less than four innings, Pirates starting pitcher James McDonald allowed just one walk and two hits while striking out three in three innings of work in a 7-2 loss at Philadelphia.

"I don't know about urgency," McDonald said after the game, according to the Pirates official website. "But when I bounce back from outings like I had the last time, it shows me I'm maturing a little bit."

The bats did not come around, though, as Pittsburgh managed just seven hits and two runs against Philadelphia pitching.

First baseman Matt Hague raised his spring batting average to .400 with two hits. Center fielder Andrew McCutchen and second baseman Neil Walker also had hits on the night.

The Pirates and Phillies travel to Pittsburgh for the season opener at 1:35 p.m. Thursday.

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