Morel, relievers stand out in Pirates' 'B' game

BRADENTON, Fla. -- Left-hander Justin Wilson and Bryan Morris, two big elements of the Pirates' 2013 bullpen who had gotten off to rocky starts this spring, got back on track during Friday morning's "B" game against the Twins at Pirate City.

The nine-inning unofficial game ended in a 3-3 tie, with the Bucs' runs coming on a three-run homer by Brent Morel in the fourth.

Wilson, who gave up two runs in two-thirds of an inning on Monday against Boston, and Morris, touched for three runs in a third of an inning in the same game, each tossed a scoreless frame with both manager Clint Hurdle and pitching coach Ray Searage in attendance. Between them, they struck out five of the seven men they faced, with Morris striking out the side while allowing an infield single.

"They both looked like they picked some things up," Hurdle said. "They were more efficient with their pitches. Their command -- everything -- was better for them."

Gerrit Cole allowed two runs while fanning four in three innings in his start for the Pirates, who were blanked across the first three innings on one hit by former teammate Kevin Correia.