BRADENTON, Fla. — The Pittsburgh Pirates dominated the New York Yankees on Tuesday night, securing a decisive 9-1 victory at LECOM Park. From pitching to power hitting, Pittsburgh controlled the game from start to finish.

Skenes Sets the Tone

Pirates ace Paul Skenes delivered a masterful performance, shutting down the Yankees’ offense. The right-hander pitched four innings, allowing one run on four hits while striking out five. His fastball command and sharp secondary pitches kept New York off balance, reinforcing why he remains one of baseball’s top young arms.

The Yankees’ lone offensive highlight came in the fourth inning when Trent Grisham launched a solo home run to right field. The blast, his second of the spring, was a rare bright spot in an otherwise quiet night for New York’s lineup.

Pirates’ Bats Erupt Early

Pittsburgh’s offense broke through in the third inning. Billy Cook started the scoring with a solo home run off Yankees starter Cam Schlittler. Moments later, Oneil Cruz launched a towering three-run homer to extend the lead. The Pirates’ relentless attack forced New York to play from behind early, and they never recovered.

Schlittler Struggles on the Mound

Schlittler endured a tough outing, lasting just 3 1/3 innings while surrendering six earned runs on seven hits. He struggled with command, leaving pitches over the plate that the Pirates punished. With a rotation spot on the line, this performance could put his standing in jeopardy.

Pittsburgh Stays Aggressive

The Pirates didn’t let up. In the fourth inning, Nick Gonzales drilled a two-run double, extending the lead to 6-1. The Pirates’ lineup displayed patience and execution, taking full advantage of New York’s struggling pitching.

Yankees reliever Sean Boyle entered in the fourth but failed to stop the bleeding. He allowed three more runs over 2 2/3 innings, further exposing New York’s pitching depth issues.

Defensive and Pitching Execution

The Yankees’ defense provided a few positives. Shortstop Anthony Volpe made several impressive plays, showing range and a strong arm. However, defensive highlights alone couldn’t compensate for the team’s offensive struggles.

Pittsburgh’s bullpen shut the door after Skenes’ strong start. Yohan Ramirez and Nick Mears combined for five scoreless innings, allowing just three hits and no walks. Their dominant relief work ensured the Yankees had no opportunity for a late-game rally.

Yankees’ Offensive Woes

New York’s lineup never found a rhythm. Despite tallying seven hits, they left 11 runners stranded. Their inability to deliver in key moments was a major factor in the lopsided loss.

Looking Ahead

This victory showcased the Pirates’ potential heading into the season. Their pitching depth, power-hitting, and aggressive approach on the bases suggest they’ll be a competitive force.

This game highlighted areas for improvement for the Yankees. As the regular season nears, the lack of timely hitting and unreliable pitching are concerns. Adjustments will be necessary if they want to compete at the highest level.

Spring training is winding down, and both teams will use these final games to fine-tune their rosters. For now, the Pirates have the upper hand.