Snell rarin' to go

By MIKE HENRY
mhenry@bradenton.com

CLEARWATER -- Despite allowing three solo home runs in the Pirates' 3-0 loss against the Phillies at Bright House Field today, right-hander Ian Snell was pleased with his 5 2/3-inning performance.
Snell (1-3) worked largely on his fastball command, at the urging of pitching coach Jeff Andrews and manager John Russell.
"It was still a good outing, other than the three home runs," said Snell, who signed a five-year deal with the Pirates earlier this week. "I felt strong and I kept the ball down, but some of the balls stayed up and they got some hits."
The first of Philadelphia's three homers, an opposite-field blast by Ryan Howard in the second inning, came on a 3-1 fastball.
"I was throwing him all fastballs. I challenged him and the ball stayed over the plate," added Snell, who struck out three and walked two.
Geoff Jenkins and Pedro Feliz hit back-to-back homers in the fifth.
"I thought Ian threw the ball really well," Russell said. "He was right around the 80-pitch mark, so the next time we'll probably get him up to the 90-pitch range. Once they get to that point, they're pretty much ready (for the regular season).
"(Matt) Morris is still working on some things, but our other starters are doing a great job extending themselves and getting quality work," Russell added.