Duke sharp; Sanchez throws

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

BRADENTON -- Left-hander Zach Duke pitched five solid innings for the Pirates in Wednesday’s 7-4 victory against the Tigers in his final start before the regular season.

Duke (2-1, 3.32 ERA) allowed six hits and one run and struck out five. “He kept the ball down, and his off-speed pitches were working well,” said manager John Russell. “The command he was showing working the ball in and out was nice to see.”

Second baseman Freddy Sanchez took ground balls and made a number of throws Wednesday morning in his effort to be ready for the regular season. Russell said the 2006 National League batting champion looked fine as he continues to deal with shoulder inflammation and discomfort.