The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 last night at PNC Park to complete a three-game sweep. It was the first season-opening sweep of a team in a three-game series since 1973. Juan Nicasio, who earned a spot in the Pirate rotation by not allowing a run the entire pre-season, allowed just one run, via a home run, over six innings. He allowed just two hits and struck out seven. Andrew McCutchen had two more hits and John Jaso had a triple.
The Bucs are off today and visit the Cincinnati Reds for a three-game series beginning tomorrow night.
The Tampa Bay Rays have claimed outfielder/first baseman Jake Goebbert off waivers. The Pirates had signed him last fall to a contract, but had to designated Goebbert for assignment when they completed their final roster for this season. 