Twins starting pitcher Ricky Nolasco made his first spring start Monday against the Pirates. He allowed one run on two hits, while striking out three in two innings.
Nolasco retired the first two batters before allowing back-to-back doubles to Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker. He limited the damage to one run by striking out Starling Marte.
Nolasco was much better in the second inning, striking out the first two batters and retiring the side in order.
"It was good," Nolasco said, per MLB.com. "Everything felt sharp. The sinker was running pretty good. I threw a couple sharp breaking balls. I wanted to get a lot of fastballs in early, and I was able to do that.
"I feel strong. It's not like I wasn't last year, but I just made a different approach to it this year. I feel strong and that my legs are under me. So it was a good first day."