Barco Sharp but Pirates Lose Spring Finale

Rookie left-hander Hunter Barco pitched 2 1/3 scoreless relief innings after finding out he had made the opening-day roster, but the Pittsburgh Pirates lost to the visiting Atlanta Braves 5-2 on Monday in their Grapefruit League finale.

Barco had a 2.31 spring ERA, allowing three runs in 11 1/3 innings. He was scored upon only once in five appearances.

Nick Gonzalez finished with a .364 batting average, going 12-for-33 while making the shift from second baseman to third baseman.

Carson Fulmer (0-1), who will begin the season at Triple-A Indianapolis, started. He allowed two runs and four hits in three innings with three strikeouts and no walks.

The Pirates had a 17-13 record. They open the regular season on Thursday against the Mets in New York.