Pirates Fall 1-0 to Red Sox Despite Bailey Falter’s Strong Start

Bailey Falter had his best start of spring training, but the Pittsburgh Pirates dropped a 1-0 pitchers’ duel to the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers on Monday afternoon.

Falter entered Monday’s game having allowed six earned runs in six innings pitched, but he tossed 3.2 scoreless frames against Boston (11-6-1). Falter was perfect through the first three innings before he allowed a double and a walk in the fourth.

The Pirates (6-10-1) lifted Falter in favor of right-hander Brent Honeywell Jr., who stranded both baserunners to keep a scoreless tie in tact.

The first — and only — run of the game didn’t come until the seventh inning, when Nick Sogard drove in a run on a groundout to first base.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

• Bailey Falter worked 3.2 scoreless innings in his best outing of the spring. He allowed just one hit, walked a batter and struck out four.
• In addition to Falter, Honeywell, Jose Hernandez and Colin Selby all had scoreless outings out of the bullpen.
• Billy McKinnney finished the game 1 for 3 and has reached base safely in all 11 games played this spring.

UP NEXT

The Pittsburgh Pirates return to LECOM Park on Tuesday when they face the Atlanta Braves. Non-roster invitee Chase Anderson will pitch for the Pirates. It will be his first start and third appearance overall. Reynaldo López will be on the mound for Atlanta. First pitch: 1:05 ET.