Pirates-Phils Notes

By JOHN LEMBO
jlembo@bradenton.com
CLEARWATER – As well as Zach Duked pitched Friday, he was happier with the situations he had to pitch out of.
Duke allowed one hit and walked one in 3 2/3 innings in the Pirates’ 6-5 win over the Philadelphia Phillies at Bright House Field.
Though he coasted through the first and third innings, he had to pitch with guys on in the second and fourth, providing good prep work for the regular season.
He kept the Phillies off the scoreboard, thanks in part to Dave Davidson, who struck out John Mayberry Jr. with the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth.
“You don’t want those situations to be alien to you at all,” Duke said. “You want the familiarity of knowing the pressures of baserunners and things when you have to execute pitches. Definitely going through situations like that is beneficial.”
Duke has allowed two earned runs in 9 2/3 innings this spring, and is looking to further the progress.
“Just keep heading in the direction I’m going,” he said, “because I feel way too good to go a different direction right now.”
HOMEWARD BOUND: Andrew McCutchen reached base twice and scored a run Friday, which has been his specialty this spring.
His average is at .222, but he’s scored nine runs in 14 games, and has reached base in 11 straight games.
MAKING THE MOST OF IT: Brian Bixler started at second base Friday, going 3-for-4 with an RBI to push his spring average to .391.
“Trusting his fundamentals just adds confidence,” manager John Russell said. “You really see a different guy.”
WELCOME BACK: Davidson's appearance was his first with Pirates since Feb. 27. He had been competing with Canada in the World Baseball Classic.