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Peguero keys Pirates' win
BRADENTON, Fla. - Livero Peguero smacked a 413-foot two-run homer in the bottom of eighth to lead the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 6-5 come-from-behind win over Toronto Tuesday in Grapefruit League action.
It was the third home run of the day for the Pirates (5-6). Oneil Cruz's first homer of the spring came with two outs in the fifth inning. Down 3-1 in the bottom of the seventh, the Pirates got a solo homer from Tsung-Che Cheng as part of a two-run frame to tie game up.
Pittsburgh has 21 home runs after 11 games in spring training.
Pirates starter Jared Jones walked his first batter he faced and then retired the next five batters to finish with two scoreless innings. In three appearances, he has not given up a run. Quinn Priester worked two innings and gave up one run. He threw 41 pitches, 26 for strikes.
Pittsburgh plays tonight at 6 in Sarasota against the Orioles. Mitch Keller is slated to start.
Elsewhere:
n Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander will open the season on the injured list after dealing with right shoulder inflammation during the offseason. Astros manager Joe Espada told reporters the 41-year-old Verlander hasn't suffered any setbacks but needs more time to become game ready.
n The Boston Red Sox are likely to be without right-handed starter Lucas Giolito for opening day and potentially longer after he experienced discomfort in his elbow following his last outing.
From Mirror, wire reports