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Smaller textOhlendorf enjoying spring stretch
Ross Ohlendorf
Christopher Horner | Tribune-Review file
Rob Biertempfel is the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review's Pirates beat writer. He can be reached at 412-320-7811, via e-mail or on Twitter.
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Ross Ohlendorf expects to enjoy the final two weeks of spring training.
"The whole time you're trying to do well," Ohlendorf said. "But it's more fun now because it's more like the regular season. We get to face a lineup multiple times. You worry more about pitch efficiency. Early in spring training, you're pitching more like a reliever. It's a different mindset. I like getting stretched out more."
Thursday, Ohlendorf worked four innings in the Pirates' 5-4 loss against the Minnesota Twins. The right-hander allowed two runs on four hits, walked two, struck out two and hit a batter.
"I felt like I was throwing the ball a lot better than I had before," Ohlendorf said. "It felt like I was into the game more, as far as reading hitters' swings and picking pitches."
Ohlendorf's changeup and sinker were especially effective, compensating for a slider which he rated as "just OK." The only Twins to get hits off him were Jim Thome, who smacked a solo homer to center, and Michael Cuddyer.
Ohlendorf threw 69 pitches and might have his pitch count bumped up to 80 for his next start.
With a stiff wind blowing out to right field at Hammond Stadium, the Twins and Pirates combined for five home runs. Delwyn Young hit a two-run shot, and Jason Jaramillo and Jeff Clement each hit solo homers.
QUOTE
"Unless you're around 100 mph, velocity doesn't matter. If you fire it over home plate enough times, any big-league hitter will time it." -- Reliever Jack Taschner
DIGITS
4 -- Home runs in a span of 13 plate appearances by Delwyn Young
3 -- Home runs among the four hits by the Pirates on Thursday
