James McDonald recovers from shaky 1st as Pirates beat Red Sox, 4-3

James McDonald gave up two runs in the first inning, causing us to say whatever it is we usually say about James McDonald, but he recovered nicely, allowing only those two runs over five innings while striking out six and walking two. Jason Grilli, Mark Melancon, Chris Leroux and Bryan Morris then allowed only one run between them in four innings of relief, a solid performance from what's likely to be the majority of the Pirates' opening-day bullpen. (Given Tony Watson's struggles, I'm going with Grilli, Melancon, Leroux, Morris, Jared Hughes, Mike Zagurski and Justin Wilson right now.)

The Pirates got a solo homer from Neil Walker in the second, then took the lead in the seventh on a leadoff walk by Josh Harrison (!) and a two-run blast by Gaby Sanchez. Michael McKenry then had a solo homer in the eighth.