The Pirates lost a game they should have won Sunday because of a nightmarish ninth inning. It was especially painful because their most dependable players let them down. Felipe Vasquez blew a save. Jordy Mercer had a throwing error. Josh Harrison failed to cover first base in time on a bunt. The San Diego Padres scored four runs to win, 8-5, beating the Pirates for the third consecutive game.
All of it made for a rotten ending to a beautiful spring afternoon at PNC Park, but I thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Not the loss.
The fact that Harrison was back on a ballfield for the first time in 35 days.