PITTSBURGH -- Pirates left fielder Corey Dickerson put an end to a tense pitchers' duel on Thursday afternoon at PNC Park, launching his first career walk-off home run to right field and delivering the Bucs a 1-0 victory over the Tigers.
When Clint Hurdle named Ivan Nova the Pirates' Opening Day starter this spring, he referred to the veteran right-hander as the "dean" of Pittsburgh's rotation. Nova was at his experienced, efficient best on Thursday afternoon to set up Dickerson's walk-off homer.
Nova fired eight scoreless innings and struck out five without a walk, needing only 93 pitches in his best start of the season.