Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole gave up one run and five hits over four innings during Pittsburgh's 2-1 loss to Minnesota in a Grapefruit League matchup Saturday. Cole, the top pick in the 2011 MLB Draft, struck out four and walked none. He is now sporting a 3.60 ERA this spring in three appearances spanning 10 innings.
The right-hander is still expected to begin the regular season in the minors as he appeared in just one game above the Double-A level during his first professional campaign a year ago. He finished 9-7 with a 2.80 ERA and 1.20 WHIP across three minor-league levels last season.