Pirates 3, Red Sox 1: Pablo Sandoval's defensive struggles continue

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- First, the good news for Boston Red Sox third baseman Pablo Sandoval: He hit his first spring-training home run, a solo shot down the right-field line on a two-strike pitch from Pittsburgh Pirates starter Ryan Vogelsong in the second inning Monday.

Now, the bad news: Sandoval committed another error, his third in eight spring games.

While most of the focus at Red Sox camp has been on Hanley Ramirez’s transition to first base, Sandoval's defense across the diamond remains a work in progress after the worst defensive season of his career. According to Baseball Info Solutions, Sandoval tied Yunel Escobar for last among all third basemen in defensive runs saved, costing the…