Pirates Prospects Deliver Victory Over Tigers

Pittsburgh's young talent steps up in Spring Training win

Mar. 7, 2026 at 9:24pm

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The Pittsburgh Pirates needed production from their best prospects and they got exactly that in their most recent Spring Training game, outlasting the Detroit Tigers 5-3. The Pirates' young stars, including Jhostynxon Garcia, Dominic Fletcher, Esmerlyn Valdez, and Termarr Johnson, delivered key hits to power the victory. Pitchers Michael Walsh, Justin Lawrence, and Thomas Harrington also turned in strong outings to secure the win.

Why it matters

The Pirates' victory over the Tigers showcases the depth and talent of their farm system, as their top prospects stepped up to lead the team to a much-needed win in Spring Training. This performance bodes well for the Pirates' future, as they look to build on their young core and return to contention in the NL Central.

The details

The Pirates got on the board in the second inning, with Jhostynxon Garcia, Dominic Fletcher, and Esmerlyn Valdez driving in runs. Termarr Johnson added an RBI single as well, putting the Pirates up 3-0. However, Tigers starter Hunter Barco settled down and the game was tied 3-3 after three innings. The Pirates regained the lead in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Garcia, and Yordanny De Los Santos added an RBI single in the eighth to make it 5-3. On the mound, Michael Walsh, Justin Lawrence, and Thomas Harrington combined for 5.1 scoreless innings to secure the win for the Pirates.

  • The Pirates outlasted the Detroit Tigers in a 5-3 win at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium in Lakeland, Fla., on March 7, 2026.
  • The Pirates improve to 10-5 in the Grapefruit League, while the Tigers fall to 3-7.

The players

Jhostynxon Garcia

A Pirates left fielder who drove in two runs with a single in the second inning.

Dominic Fletcher

A Pirates center fielder who got hit by a pitch and scored a run in the second inning.

Esmerlyn Valdez

A Pirates right fielder who singled to score two runs in the second inning.

Termarr Johnson

A Pirates designated hitter who had an RBI single in the second inning.

Hunter Barco

A Tigers left-handed pitcher who started the game and gave up three runs in the third inning.

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What’s next

The Pirates will look to continue their strong Spring Training performance as they prepare for the upcoming regular season.

The takeaway

The Pirates' young prospects delivered a much-needed victory over the Tigers, demonstrating the team's depth and talent for the future. This performance is a positive sign for the Pirates as they look to build on their young core and return to contention in the NL Central.