Barnhart, Reds beat Pirates; Pittsburgh opens season Sunday

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Tucker Barnhart got three hits and the Cincinnati Reds took advantage of the windy conditions to beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 13-6 Saturday in a spring training wrapup.

With periods of snow flurries, light rain and gusts estimated at 40 mph, Pittsburgh made five errors.

The Pirates open the 2016 major league season Sunday afternoon, hosting St. Louis.

Reds starter Alfredo Simon gave up four runs in four innings.

David Freese and Max Moroff homered for the Pirates.

Pittsburgh manager Clint Hurdle said playing in adverse weather conditions may come in handy as colder temperatures are predicted for the Pirates' opener.

''The weather was interesting and challenging,'' Hurdle said. ''We didn't want to challenge anyone too much on a day like this, but today may get us ready for tomorrow because I hear we could have conditions like this in Pittsburgh.''

Barnhart, who played high school baseball in nearby Brownsburg, had a wind-aided bloop double and two singles. He singled during a seven-run burst in the third inning that included two singles by Joey Votto.

''Whenever you're anywhere and you're able to put some good swings on some balls and get some hits it's a good thing,'' Barnhart said. ''But especially being home in front of my family being able to see it is really pretty special.''

STARTING TIME

Reds: Simon was not nearly as sharp as he was in his other two spring outings, but Reds manager Bryan Price said a lot of that had to do with the blustery conditions.

''Just like their pitchers and our relief guys, I think he was affected by the weather,'' Price said. ''It was hard to field the ball, hands were cold and it was not a great environment in which to pitch. He had been very sharp his first two games. I don't think today was any indication of how prepared he is actually for the season.''

Price said he was pleased that Simon was able to face 19 batters and throw more than 80 pitches.

Pirates: RHP Wilfredo Boscan struggled with his control and was responsible for the eight runs Cincinnnati scored in the first three innings, though only five were earned.

Hurdle said prior to the game that all of the pitchers he used Saturday were players who would start the season in the minor leagues. Five pitchers saw action for the Pirates.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Reds: C Devin Mesoraco was a late scratch from the starting lineup because of hip soreness. He appeared in just 23 games for the Reds last season after having season-ending surgery on June 29 to repair and impingement in his left hip.

UP NEXT

Reds: RHP Raisel Iglesias will get the opening day start for Cincinnati on Monday against the Phillies.

Pirates: LHP Francisco Liriano will get the opening day start for Pittsburgh on Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals.