ST. PETERSBURG — The Pittsburgh Pirates lost 3-1 to the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday in Grapefruit League action.

Starter Steven Brault retired three of the four hitters he faced, finishing with a walk and a strikeout. Relief pitcher James Marvel gave up two earned runs on two hits in one inning, while Shea Spitzbath worked a scoreless inning with two strikeouts.

Pirates prospect Oneil Cruz played two innings in centerfield. Cruz played shortstop for the Altoona Curve in 2019. Teammate Troy Stokes Jr. had a double while Cole Tucker was removed from the lineup before the start of the game with a left hand contusion.

Wander Franco and Austin Meadows homered for the Rays.

The Bucs (1-2-1) host Atlanta today. Tyler Anderson is expected to start with Kyle Crick, Sam Howard, David Bednar, Chasen Shreve, Clay Holmes and Blake Weiman all getting work.

— From Mirror reports