For a season preview of the Pittsburgh Pirates two Dominican Summer League teams, check out our article here. Throughout the year, we will provide the recaps of both teams, as well as highlight one player each day. 
PIRATES1
Result: Pirates 10, Marlins 2
Starting Pitcher: Dan Urbina, RHP (1-0, 4.66) – 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR
Top Hitter: Tito Polo, LF (.375) – 3-for-4, 2B, RBI
Other Notable Performers:
Julio de la Cruz, DH (.100) – 0-for-4
Marcus Beltrez, LHP (0.00) – 2.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K, 0 HR
Pablo Reyes, SS (.318) – 0-for-3, 2 BB
Dennis Hurtarte, 1B (.143) – 1-for-3, BB, SB, 2B, 2 RBI
Yunior Aquiles, RF (.333) – 1-for-2, 2 RBI
Game Notes: Starter Dan Urbina almost matched the great start by Jose Regalado on Friday, when he threw five no-hit innings. Regalado allowed a walk and hit a batter, while Urbina today gave up just a single and double in his five shutout innings. Marcus Beltrez threw 2.1 scoreless innings, his second straight scoreless appearance. Tito Polo led the way with three hits, raising his average to the .375 mark. Yunior Aquiles played in just his second game and came off the bench to drive in two runs. Yomifer Polanco drove in his fifth run and stole his second base. Dennis Hurtarte collected his first two RBI’s of the season. Talking to his after the game, he said he had been hitting the ball good this year, but right at people.
PIRATES2
Result: Pirates 10, Mets1 1
Starting Pitcher: Dario Agrazal Jr, RHP (1-0, 0.00) – 5.0 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K, 0 HR
Top Hitter: Edgar Figueroa, RF (.154) – 2-for-5, 3 RBI
Other Notable Performers:
Michael de la Cruz, CF (.292) – 2-for-3, BB, 2 RBI
Carlos Munoz, 1B (.476) – 2-for-4, 2B, RBI
Jhoan Herrera, DH (.292) – 1-for-5
Yoel Gonzalez, C (.125) – 1-for-2, 2B, RBI, BB
Jesus Paredes, LHP (0.00) – 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K, 0 HR
Game Notes: After his last start, four shutout innings in his pro debut, Dario Agrazal Jr was our featured player of the day. In his second pro start, he was even better, throwing five shutout innings this time. He was followed by Jose Batista, who threw two no-hit innings, but gave up one run on five walks. Jesus Paredes threw two scoreless innings for the second time this season. Right fielder Edgar Figueroa drove in three runs to lead the offense. Top prospect Michael de la Cruz had two hits and a walk, scoring two runs. The 16-year-old center fielder has reached base 13 times in seven games. Carlos Munoz has a 1.274 OPS in 25 plate appearances. Top catching prospect Yoel Gonzalez collected just his second hit of the year, both have been doubles.
Player Of The Day
Back in 2009, the Pirates signed Ramses Pena to a $150,000 bonus, one of the highest bonuses they gave out that year. He was a 17-year-old switch-hitting shortstop, so he immediately became a player to watch. Unfortunately, not every prospect works out when dealing with kids that young. Pena looked decent in his first season, especially considering his age. He split his time between shortstop and second base, drew some walks and stole some bases. Instead of taking a step forward the next year, he took a huge step back. Pena hit .174 in 2011, with a .485 OPS and he was seeing plenty of playing time. He remained a potential prospect at the time despite that, but last season he lost that tag. Many players in the DSL have broke out in their third season, but Pena had a .647 OPS and was seeing regular playing time. He still has the speed aspect to his game and the Pirates have now played him at six different positions, but it looks like his fourth season will be his last in pro ball. Pena has just two games and four plate appearances so far, striking out twice. Not every player with a six figure bonus will hit, but the more you sign, the better your odds. Sometimes you will get a player like Alen Hanson(signed during the same period for the same amount) and sometimes they turn out like Pena.
