TIGERS 4, PIRATES 1
at Bradenton, Fla.
Wednesday, March 5

Tigers at the plate: Outfielder Marcus Thames connected for a two-run homer in the fourth, giving Thames two long balls in the past three games. He reached base with a walk and a double in his other two plate appearances. Center fielder Curtis Granderson flashed his speed on the bases, much to the delight of the large number of Tigers fans in the stands. Granderson scored in the first after reaching base on an infield hit and knocked a triple to center two innings later.

Pirates at the plate: Infielder Luis Rivas went 2-for-3 on the afternoon with a single and a triple. He also scored the Pirates' only run of the game. In his first game back after resting his right hamstring, Nate McLouth reached base in two of his three plate appearances and also stole second, further proof that his hamstring is no longer a bother.

Tigers on the mound: Though he battled some control issues, right-hander Yorman Bazardo didn't allow a hit in his two innings of work on Wednesday. He did, however, issue three walks. Bazardo was relieved by Rick Porcello, the organization's first-round selection in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. Porcello allowed one run on three hits and two walks in his 1 2/3 innings of relief.

Pirates on the mound: Starter Ian Snell struck out three in three innings of work, though the right-hander did allow Detroit to score three runs. Sean Burnett and Matt Capps looked extremely sharp in their lone inning of relief, as each set down the Tigers in order.

Grapefruit League records: Tigers 5-3-1; Pirates 1-6.

Up next: The Tigers play host to the Braves on Thursday at 1:05 p.m. ET, with Dontrelle Willis getting the starting nod against Atlanta's Tom Glavine. Also expected to pitch for the Tigers are Jeff Gerbe, Armando Galarraga, Aquilino Lopez, Freddy Dolsi and Todd Jones.

The Pirates will welcome the Blue Jays to town on Thursday at 1:05 p.m. ET, as Tom Gorzelanny makes his second start of the spring. The left-hander will be relieved by Zach Duke, Jimmy Barthmaier, Casey Fossum and John Grabow.