The Pittsburgh Pirates saw their offensive struggles continue yet again Friday afternoon, as they were only able to muster one hit off San Francisco Giants pitcher Matt Cain in a 5-0 loss.
Cain was able to hold the Pirates without a hit for 5.2 innings before Pirates pitcher James McDonald hit a single for the lone hit on the afternoon for Pittsburgh. Cain struck out 11 while not walking a single batter in what was one of the best starts of his career. Cain was also very efficient, throwing 73 of his 106 pitches for strikes.
McDonald allowed two first inning runs, but settled in nicely until another hiccup in the sixth inning led to another run and his exit. In 5.2 innings he allowed six hits along with the three runs while striking out just one batter.
After clean appearances from Tony Watson and Evan Meek, Pirate closer Joel Hanrahan allowed a two-run homer to Aubrey Huff that put the exclamation point on the Giants' home opener.
The Pirates will return to action on Saturday at 9:05 p.m. EST. Charlie Morton will be making his season debut for the Pirates on the mound against Barry Zito.
Be sure to check out Bucs Dugout, which currently features a podcast with Giants blogger Grant Brisbee of McCovey Chronicles.