Perrotto: Spring Training Neighbor Could Provide Pirates Blueprint (+)

BRADENTON, Fla. – The Pittsburgh Pirates played their lone night home game of the Grapefruit League season on Saturday night.

That, in and of itself, wasn’t a big deal since it was an exhibition game. However, the identity of the Pirates’ opponent carried some significance.

The Baltimore Orioles made the short trip up Route 301 from Sarasota to LECOM Park. The 2023 Pirates would love to emulate the 2022 Orioles.

The Orioles stayed in contention until September last season after a long rebuild before finishing with an 83-79 record. It was a significant step forward for a franchise that had lost 115, 108 and 110 games in the previous three full seasons.