Top of the 2nd

As it has been all spring here at McKechnie Field, an opposing player draws more cheers than a Pirate. This time, Justin Morneau gets a warm ovation from a very subdued crowd.

Maybe the fans are depressed about the Pirates leaving. Maybe not.

Former Ray Delmon Young slashes a single to left, and while this guy was a bit of a nuisance last year, I'm sure Tampa Bay wishes they had him back. With Rocco Baldelli's career in doubt, the Rays have a gaping hole in right field - a position Young played so well last year he finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year balloting.

Following a walk to DH Jason Kubel - Craig Monroe was a late scratch - Mike Lamb steps up. He's an interesting story - Lamb was going to be the Yankee third baseman in 2004 before the team managed to land Alex Rodriguez. Today, he's robbed of a hit, as right fielder Xavier Nady makes a running lunge and snares Lamb's liner.

(Too baaaad, Lamb.)

Morris, meanwhile gets another former Ray, Brendan Harris, to ground out with runners on the corners.

1-0 Pirates.